The University of Alberta Botanical Garden (formerly the Devonian Botanic Garden) has been attracting visitors and making the area greener since 1959. With multiple gardens and a modern architectural flare, the garden is a prime location for first-time visitors to the Edmonton area who want a taste of natural beauty. The garden offers guided tram and walking tours of the different collections. Kerry Mulholland, communications and marketing co-ordinator for the garden recommends a few must –see areas including the new Aga Khan Garden, a stunning four-hectare (11-acre) Mughal-inspired garden; the serene Kurimoto Japanese Garden; and the indoor showhouses—especially the Tropical Plant and Butterfly House.

Approximately 80 million Pakistanis are living with one or more Non-Communicable Diseases or NCDs – a set of chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, cancer, diabetes, conditions caused by tobacco abuse, and mental disorders – that are predominantly caused by poor lifestyle choices and environmental risk factors such as pollution and urbanisation… “In order to address this issue, health professionals at Aga Khan University have launched a new think tank, AKUPI-NCD – in partnership with experts from a variety of sectors – that will recommend novel, integrated approaches to address the threat of NCDs: the leading cause of death in the country”, said Prof. Zainab Samad, Chair of the AKUPI-NCD on Tuesday.