Reshu Bashyal, Season 2 Episode 5
The healing powers of Nepal’s orchids and yew trees have always been prized by local communities but global demand is stripping the forests of its healers. Step in Reshu Bashyal who’s not only raising awareness of illegal harvesting of what she calls “the tigers of the plant world” but has a plan to protect these natural resources.
Reshu tells Kate Humble and Edward Whitley that she grew up understanding that plants are special but they did not appear to be recognized in wildlife conservation. She’s changing that. She and her colleagues at NGO Greenhood Nepal want to empower forest groups, clear invasive species, plant thousands of new yews and rehabilitate fallen orchids. She’s also – crucially – working with government and forest officials to formalise a sustainable harvest and trade.
Read the transcript here.
NEWS FROM RESHU
Since winning her award in April 2025, Reshu and her team have set up a task force and conducted training to help members actively participate in anti poaching patrols. Five anti poaching patrols have been conducted.
The team has drafted an orchid conservation plan and are in discussions with the Department of Plant Resources and in Nepal as well as shared its proposal with the IUCN SSC Orchid Specialist Group
They are working with yew growers and local community forest user groups to support the restoration of yews and orchids, which have identified potential restoration sites.
She has been interviewed and photographed for Nature magazine for publication in 2026.
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