Climate+Change in Pokhara
Photo: Shikhar Bhattarai
The second edition of Climate+Change- a dynamic exhibition exploring the effects of climate change on the Hindu Kush Himalayan region opened at the International Mountain Museum (IMM) in Pokhara, Nepal on 27th September 2014, marking World Tourism Day this year. The exhibition features science and imagery from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and striking photography from David Breashears, GlacierWorks and other Nepali photographers that showcase the rapidly changing Himalayas and highlight solutions being implemented in the region. The exhibition has arrived in Pokhara after it was shown in Kathmandu for five months in early 2014.
Climate+Change features stunning imagery, text, and interactive elements inviting visitors to investigate the challenges faced by our natural landscapes, ecosystems, and human communities and economies in the face of climate change across several national boundaries. An in-depth Arts and Education programme will target students and teachers from across Kaski and neighboring districts, offering a unique opportunity for them to engage with and be inspired by science. A smaller traveling version of the exhibition will also travel to remote areas of Nepal through the first ever BookBus of Nepal.
Through the exhibition and its range of programming, Climate+Change aims to inspire a broad understanding and spark dialogue among various sections of society on the challenges facing this iconic region. It also aims to facilitate the development of new and innovative solutions to these challenges.
With three sections on air, water and ice, the exhibition highlights the science behind issues like black carbon and its sources and effects, types of floods, flood risk management, alternative irrigation methods and decaying glaciers and ice, to name a few. Using case studies from across Nepal the exhibition calls for the need to cooperate across borders in addressing the risk of natural hazards and the conservation of ecosystems. Breathtaking, large-scale photography from GlacierWorks invites visitors to explore the changing Himalayan landscape in and around Mount Everest, and scientific explanations will help visitors better understand the complexities of glaciers on the rooftop of the world. Throughout the exhibition, solutions are presented along with the challenges and visitors are encouraged to act on personal levels to make changes.
Climate+Change will be showcased at the International Mountain Museum for one year starting today. Each month, new programmes and events will engage visitors on various topical issues that revolve around the exhibition. The events are designed to encourage active engagement of all visitors and the production of new ideas and insights into this region.
The exhibition is organized by ICIMOD and GlacierWorks in partnership with the Embassy of the United States in Kathmandu, photo.circle, THINC Design, Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), the International Mountain Museum (IMM) and Srijanalaya.
US Ambassador to Nepal, H.E. Peter W. Podde exploring the interactive Microsoft touch screen that is loaded with several interactive flights over the Khumbu region produced by GlacierWorks. Photo: Shikhar Bhattarai
Kunda Dixit Editor of Nepali Times gives local press a guided tour. Photo: Shikhar Bhattarai
Niranjan Kunwar gives visiting school teachers and principals a guided tour. Photo: Shikhar Bhattarai
Panel discussion on ‘Access routes for tourism: enhancing community development in Nepal’s mountain areas. Photo: Shikhar Bhattarai
The Climate+Change Arts and Education Program completed a five day Upcycling Art Workshop Training organized by Srijanalaya last week from 13 to 17 October, 2014. Photo: Sanjeev Maharjan
The goal of the training was to prepare participants to run art workshops with reusable materials in a way that facilitates each child’s creative expression. Photo: Sanjeev Maharjan
Local media in Pokhara interact with Navin Singh Khadka, environment journalist, BBC World Service on ‘climate change and the role of media’. Photo: NayanTara Gurung Kakshapati