KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 8

The Nepal-CMS VATAVARAN Film Festival and Forum on Climate Action and Biodiversity Conservation 2023 is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu from December 15–17.

The event will bring together filmmakers, environmentalists, policymakers, and nature lovers to explore the intersection of cinema and ecological consciousness. A large number of school and college students will also take part in this festival in various venues across Kathmandu Valley, according to the statement issued by the CMS VATAVARAN.

Asia's biggest environmental film festival and forum, CMS VATAVARAN, in collaboration with the Ministry of Forests and Environment, the Government of Nepal, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Commission on Education and Communication (IUCN CEC), the Canadian High Commission of India and Nepal, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Nepal, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Nepal, National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), and Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ), is organizing Nepal's first-ever film festival and forum on biodiversity conservation and climate action at the Nepal Tourism Board Auditorium and the National Trust for Nature Conservation, Kathmandu, the statement said.

'The festival and forum aim to facilitate youth participation in planning, policy, and action for conserving the rich natural resources and environmental heritage of this nation. It will have a series of several interesting programs that will cover film screenings, seminars, workshops, a master class, a training program, panel discussions, etc., focusing on the environmental, social, and economic aspects of climate change and biodiversity conservation in Nepal and the region.'

The inaugural ceremony is scheduled to be attended by Vice President Ram Sahaya Yadav, and other guests, such as Minister for Forests and Environment, Birendra Prasad Mahato, Cameron MacKay, Canadian Ambassador to Nepal; Sean Southey, Commission Chair, IUCN CEC; Dr. Dindo Campilan, Regional Director, IUCN Asia Regional Office; and Dr. P. N Vasanti, DG, CMS and Regional IUCN CEC Vice-Chair for S and SE Asia.

On this occasion, two prominent Nepalese environmentalists will also be conferred the 'Nepal CMS VATAVARAN Green Ambassador Award' for their contribution to the field of biodiversity conservation in Nepal, the organizer said.

The festival will also screen a total of 12 international award-winning films from different parts of the world on various relevant environmental issues like climate change, adaptation and mitigation, wildlife conservation, water conservation, forest conservation, and sustainable livelihood, it said.

Highlights of Nepal-CMS VATAVARAN 2023– At A Glance

Nepal Tourism Board Auditorium and the National Trust for Nature Conservation Board Room, Kathmandu

 Inaugural Ceremony.

 Green Ambassador Awards.

 Opening Film Screening.

 Conversation on 'Screening Sustainability: Using Film to Highlight Climate Change and Drive Change.'

 Panel Discussion on 'Planetary Health: Balancing Nepal's Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability.'

 Social Impact Filmmaking Workshop by the award-winning filmmaker from India Mr. Rakesh Rao.

 Award-winning Film screenings on Climate change, Biodiversity conservation, Water Conservation and Wildlife.

 On-spot quiz/painting competition.

 Workshop on 'Accelerating Circular Economy and Sustainable Business.'

 Master Class on 'Communicating Conservation' by Mr. Sean Southey (IUCN Chair) & Dr. Vasanti Rao (DG, CMS)

 Certificate Distributions and Closing Ceremony

Regional Director, IUCN Asia, Dr. Dindo Campilan, said, 'The intersection of dialogue and environmental cinema holds the key to inspiring action. I look forward to witnessing how these powerful mediums will drive awareness and catalyze change in Nepal and beyond.'

'As we anticipate the Nepal-CMS VATAVARAN Festival and Forum on Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Action, I am excited about the potential of environmental films and dialogue to transcend borders, igniting a collective passion for preserving our planet,' Commission Chair, IUCN CEC, Sean Southey, said.

Similarly, Director-General, CMS, Dr. Vasanti Rao, said, 'In the spirit of global cooperation, the Nepal-CMS VATAVARAN Festival and Forum on Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Action present a unique opportunity to strengthen ties and explore innovative approaches to environmental conservation. I am confident it will be a catalyst for positive change. Through the organization of festivals and forums of this nature, we can bridge the gap between local initiatives and broader global patterns and discussions. It also provides a platform for introspection and dialogue on what we, as a collective, can undertake to preserve these changes. We extend a warm invitation to all residents and nature enthusiasts in Kathmandu to participate in this festival.'