Kathmandu, August 23

US Embassy in Kathmandu today announced this year’s recipient of the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation. Following a worldwide competition, grant has been awarded to the Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust  to support conservation and seismic strengthening of the 18th-century octagonal Krishna temple in Patan Durbar Square.

Through the AFCP, the US Embassy will provide $150,000 to KVPT to conserve the shikhara-style Krishna temple, which was built in 1723.  The project will stabilise, seismically strengthen, and support urgent restoration work needed to conserve the temple, which was significantly weakened during the 2015-earthquakes, said a press release issued by the embassy.

As part of the KVPT’s five-year earthquake response campaign, the project will employ local artisans to restore this historic stone structure using the highest international standards.

“Our over two decade long cultural preservation partnership with Nepal is a tangible symbol of mutual friendship and shows our respect for Nepal’s diverse and rich heritage,” said Ambassador Randy Berry in the release.

“The United States is committed to protecting Nepal’s unique and irreplaceable cultural heritage. Conservation of the Krishna temple is an important step in preserving historic stone architecture for future generations.”

Established by the US Congress and administered by the Department of State, the AFCP has supported preservation of cultural sites, cultural objects and forms of traditional cultural expressions since 2001. Since its inception, the AFCP has demonstrated America’s respect for cultural heritage of other countries by supporting over 1,000 projects in more than 125 countries.

In Nepal, the AFCP has supported twenty-four projects through $3.52 million in US government grant funding, according to the release.