PERU IN BLOOM

In a spectacular tribute to Peru’s extraordinary biodiversity, the Embassy of Peru in the UK was the proud cohost of the 29th Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens, which opened earlier this year. This year’s festival celebrated the rich landscapes, flora, and fauna of Peru, from the majestic Andes to the lush Amazon, and even the country’s coastal deserts.

His Excellency Ambassador Ignacio Higueras Hare joined Richard Deverell, Director of Kew Gardens, in a special event to open the festival in early February, highlighting the deep connection between Peru and the UK in conservation and scientific collaboration.

“Peru is globally recognised for its extraordinary biodiversity, being home to more than 3,000 species of orchids, many of which are found nowhere else in the world”, said Ambassador Higueras during the opening. The Orchid Festival brought to life Peru’s breathtaking natural heritage and offered visitors the opportunity to admire intricate floral displays inspired by Peruvian ecosystems, alongside stunning artwork by renowned Peruvian creatives, Mariano Vivanco and Gisella Stapleton.

The visual tributes of the Nazca Lines, the Amazon, and the Andean highlands added an artistic dimension to the botanical wonder. A highlight of this year’s exhibition was the recreation of Peru’s diverse fauna, featuring representations of iconic species such as the llama, the Andean spectacled bear, the cock-of-the-rock, and the whale shark, which all play a crucial role in Peru’s delicate ecosystems. Particularly striking was the Puya de Raimondi, a rare and majestic plant that blooms only once every 100 years before dramatically incinerating itself, symbolising the cycle of life in the Andean highlands. Kew Gardens' talented team of horticulturists and designers, led by Solène Dequiret and Henck Röling, masterfully brought these landscapes to life, immersing visitors in the beauty and wonder of Peru’s natural world.

Given that Peru is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, the festival was an opportunity for the Embassy to share its natural and cultural wealth with the world. “We are honoured to collaborate with Kew Gardens in raising awareness about conservation and sustainability,” added the Ambassador.