News published 20 May 2024

The Marsh Awards 2024 – Winners Announced!

On an annual basis, BGCI operates The Marsh Awards for International Plant Conservation and Botanic Garden Education sponsored by The Marsh Charitable Trust.

The Marsh Charitable Trust was established in 1981 and runs a portfolio of awards which recognise the contribution of dedicated individuals working in different sectors – to improve the world we live in.

There are 2 awards available that offer professional recognition and a £1,000 prize. Potential awardees are nominated by their peers through the BGCI Membership network, and then the winners are judged by the BGCI International Advisory Council and the Marsh Charitable Trust.

The winners for 2023 are:

Marsh Award for International Plant Conservation – Jesús Reyes García

Jesús Reyes García is the Director of Vallarta Botanical Garden, Mexico

Highlights from their nomination include:

Jesús Reyes have been fundamental in consolidating VBG and recovering from adversity to continue conservation work. In a self-taught manner, he began the work that would provide the solid foundations for the
incipient development of the VBG infrastructure, building the laboratory, using simple resources and materials, with which he carried out artisanal procedures for in vitro propagation until strengthening the laboratory and the buildings of the VBG conservatories that today are an example of ex situ conservation of Mexican species. It is also worth mentioning the resilience that has provided the VBG after the impact of three major hurricanes.

He is always willing to share his knowledge and make it possible for new generations to bring love and care to our planet. His work not only contributed to the creation of a conservation space, but also laid the foundations for what is today one of the most recognized botanical gardens in Mexico and the world.

Marsh Award for Education in Botanic Gardens – Åsa Krüger and Stina Weststrand

Åsa and Stina are botanists and educators at Gothenburg Botanical Garden, Sweden

Highlights from their nomination include:

Åsa Krüger and Stina Weststrand have undertaken remarkable efforts to raise public awareness and promote education in the field of botany through their work at the Gothenburg Botanical Garden.One of their successful outreach-projects is the Botanical Garden Podcast. Through this podcast, they have provided a platform for disseminating botanical knowledge to a wide audience in an engaging and accessible manner. In the podcast, the hosts discuss various topics related to botany, science, and cultural history. Through their work on the podcast, Åsa and Stina have engaged many knowledgeable gardeners and botanists to share their expertise, including practical aspects like how to clean seeds like a pro, create pleasant garden spaces, prune a tree, and grow edible plants. The podcast produces about 10 episodes each year and are made possible by sponsoring from the highly engaged society “Friends of the Botanical Garden”.

Åsa and Stina’s unwavering commitment to botanical education, coupled with their innovative and inclusive approach, exemplifies their exceptional motivation, dedication, and innovation beyond their remit as botanists, leaving a lasting impact on the field of botany and public engagement with plant life.

Congratulation to all winners!

The winners will be honoured and receive their awards on two special online events. Join us to learn more about Jesús work in the next Virtual Talk organised by the Red Sudamericana de Jardines Botanicos. Åsa and Stina work will be highlighted on an online event in late June or early July…more to come!