An Art for Nature exhibition is currently on at the Nepal Art Council (NAC) in Babarmahal. The exhibition, organised by Relief Fund for Wildlife Victims (RFWV), has on display over 100 art works (including sculpture and wood base) of Panchase and Chitwan landscapes depicting people, wildlife and its natural surroundings. 

Shedding light on the objective of the exhibition, Dr Prabhu Budhathoki, President of RFWV, said that the exhibition is being organised with an objective to promote nature and wildlife conservation through art, and share knowledge to improve skills of Nepali artists on nature and wildlife art. “It is organised at a very timely juncture that focuses on redoubling our efforts in strengthening the relationship between people and the natural physical surroundings, raising awareness of our environment and inspiring in nurturing a learning experience for current and future generations,” he said.

Speaking on the opening, Gauri Shankar Timila, Acting Director General of the Department of Forests, said that the exhibition will bring more art enthusiasts in building their skills and capacity specialising in nature, wildlife and landscape art through traditional art, painting and sculpture as the medium thus showcasing Nepal’s natural wealth and generating people’s support for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. 

Inaugurating the function on Thursday, Chief Guest Renaud Meyer, Country Director of UNDP Nepal, said that the Art for Nature Initiative goes a step forward in not only generating education and awareness and helping raise the interest of the Nepali artists on nature and wildlife art but also its success will pave the way in generating public awareness about the importance of replicating such initiatives elsewhere as well. Chair of the programme and also the president of the Panchase Protected Forest Main Council, Gopal Gurung, said that as Panchase protected forest harbours rich repository of biodiversity and provides the much needed ecosystem services, its conservation significance is of high importance, which is well reflected in the art works. “We need to conserve the Panchase ecosystem for generations to come so that its pristine beauty is admired by all and for all time to come.”

The exhibition, open at NAC from 10 am to 5 pm, will continue till May 11.