The grants were given to two organizations, Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust (KVPT) and Alliance for Ecotourism.[break]
KVPT was awarded an AFCP grant of US$900,000 in 2009 and this time it will receive a continuation grant of US$205,000 for its ongoing restoration and conservation of the 17th century Patan Royal Palace.
“This grant is a symbol of KVPT’s commitment to excellence and dedication to preserving Nepal’s invaluable cultural heritage,” said Peter W Bodde, US Ambassador to Nepal.
Rohit Ranjitkar, the Nepal Director of KVPT, called the AFCP an exceptional gift and recognized that this support by the US Embassy and US Department of State was the most significant donation till date.
The second AFCP grant was given to Alliance for Ecotourism for a unique project of documenting the Kartik Nach, a traditional 17th century dance which takes place in the Patan Durbar Square during the month of Kartik.
From L to R: US Ambassador to Nepal Peter W Bodde, Jharna Joshi of Alliance for Ecotourism and Rohit Ranjitkar, Nepal Director for Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust (KVPT) pose for a photo in Patan Durbar Square. Joshi and Ranjitkar were the recipient of the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), this year.
“Originally, Kartik Nach went on for a month but has been in decline since 1950 BS (1993). Nowadays, it takes place for only a week and efforts to revive it have been made by the Kartik Nach Management Committee. The grant will work to reestablish the full form of the dance and document it for the future generations to learn,” said Jharna Joshi, Program Coordinator for Alliance for Ecotourism.
Ambassador Bodde said that the support to the Alliance for Ecotourism stands out as the first non-tangible project in Nepal and hence called it groundbreaking. The project will receive US$75,300 through the AFCP grant.
“The Fund is an affirmation for America’s respect for the cultural heritage of Nepal and is a symbol of the partnership between the US and Nepal,” added Ambassador Bodde.
Established by Congress in 2001 and administered by the US Department of State, the AFCP gives support for the preservation of cultural sites, objects and collections and forms of traditional cultural expressions around the world.
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