• AFCP has supported 22 projects in Nepal through US grant funding

Kathmandu, August 11

The US embassy has announced this year’s recipients of the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.

Following worldwide competition, two grants have been awarded to the Impact Foundation and Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust to support the restoration of the south wing of Kaiser Mahal and Char Narayan temple at Patan Durbar Square, respectively, stated a press release issued by the US Embassy today.

Through the AFCP, the US embassy will provide $400,000 to the Impact Foundation for the conservation and restoration of the earthquake damaged south wing of Kaiser Mahal in Kathmandu.  “The project will stabilise, seismically strengthen and support urgent restoration work needed to repair the neo-classical Rana style building built in 1895,” it read.

The second AFCP-funded project for this year will provide $100,000 to support the restoration of the historic Malla-period Char Narayan temple on the premises of Patan Royal Palace in Lalitpur.

As part of the KVPT five-year earthquake response campaign, the project

will restore one of the most important structures in Nepal’s significant historic ensemble, using the highest international standards and integrating seismic strengthening.

“As we celebrate the 70th year of diplomatic relations between our two countries, this support to preserving Nepal’s cultural heritage demonstrates the United States’ enduring friendship with Nepal,” said Chargé d’Affaires Michael Gonzales.  “The United States is committed to protecting Nepal’s unique and irreplaceable cultural heritage. The restoration of buildings like Gaddi Baithak, which began in September 2016 through US support, and the Kaiser Library is key to preserving historically significant neo-classical buildings damaged by the 2015 earthquakes.”

Established by the US Congress and administered by the Department of State, the AFCP has supported the preservation of cultural sites, cultural objects and forms of traditional cultural expression since 2001.

“Since its inception, the AFCP has demonstrated America’s respect for the cultural heritage of other countries by supporting over 800 projects in more than 125 countries.  In Nepal, the AFCP has supported 22 projects through $3.4 million in US government grant funding,” read the release.

Kathmandu-based Impact Foundation played a key role in the implementation and documentation of  Panchamukhi Hanuman temple and Medieval Residence Conservation Projects completed successfully in 2016.

The KVPT is the only international organisation exclusively dedicated to safeguarding the architectural heritage of Kathmandu Valley.

KVPT has restored more than 50 historic buildings throughout the Valley, including temples, palaces, and monasteries.