Film festival on wildlife, biodiversity kicks off

BY A STAFF REPORTER,Kathmandu, Dec. 16: A film festival focusing on various social and economic aspects of wildlife, biodiversity and the environment kicked off in Kathmandu on Friday.

The three-day festival titled “Nepal CMS-Vatavaran Film Festival and Forum on Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Action 2023,” coordinated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) began at the Nepal Tourism Board.

Speaking at the inauguration programme, Minister for Forest and Environment Dr. Birendra Prasad Mahato said that Nepal, with its diverse landscape spanning from the Tarai plain to Himalayan peaks, provides hope for biodiversity conservation.

“This film festival is an opportunity for my ministry to participate, showcasing Nepal’s conservation efforts and the impact of climate change,” he added.

Dr. Mahato highlighted the threats faced by the Himalayan region of Nepal, such as glacier retreats, extreme weather events and the risk of glacier lake outburst floods. He emphasised the importance of addressing these challenges through initiatives like the film festival.

As we have heard, protection of the environment and mitigating climate change are now increasing priority for everyone around the world, he said. 

Ambassador of Canada to Nepal Cameron MacKay said that the Festival was just one of many steps towards this goal. “I am hopeful that the incredible power of films will enlighten and engage all of us in understanding complex climate issues and will inspire action,” he said.

“Canada is committed to the protection of environment and mitigation of the climate change. We are taking measures to reduce our emissions as we work towards meeting our Paris commitments and achieving a net-zero emissions by 2050,” MacKay said.

“This year, our support encompasses projects totalling $250,000, with our largest initiative focused on Climate Adaptation for Rural Livelihood Enhancement in Nepal. We have long-standing people-to-people connections, especially through education, along with strong ties in development and cooperation, and a burgeoning trade and investment relationship,” he added.

He also said that Canada is proud to collaborate with esteemed partners--the Ministry of Forests and Environment of Nepal, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the National Trust for Nature Conservation, CMS Vatavaran, and numerous other supporters.

More than 20 national and international organisations including the Ministry of Forest and Environment, Canadian Embassy in Nepal, National Trust for Nature Conservation, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Nepal, Zoological Society of London (Nepal Office), Nepal Federation Environment Journalist are partners of this programme.