Students Transform Canvases into Calls for Environmental Stewardship
Shazia Mehboob
Rawalpindi: Enthusiastic students from various universities and colleges in the twin cities showcased their artistic prowess in a live painting competition centered around the theme “Restoring the Mountain Ecosystems”.
The event took place on Monday at the Rawalpindi Art Gallery, drawing participation from over twenty students. This competition was organized by Devcom-Pakistan as part of the ongoing 13th edition of the Pakistan Mountain Festival (PMF) in collaboration with the Punjab Arts Council Rawalpindi and the Snow Leopard Foundation.
Using oil and acrylics on their canvases, the participants passionately depicted the intricate mountain ecosystems. Their artworks specifically highlighted the challenges faced by endangered species like the brown bear, snow leopard, markhor, and others.
Additionally, they portrayed the struggles of local communities in confronting real-life challenges posed by climate change, the role of women in mountain ecosystem conservation, and the rich cultural heritage of northern Pakistan. Their paintings not only showcased the aesthetic value of mountain life but also shed light on the profound impact of climate change on these regions.
Munir Ahmed, the Executive Director of Devcom-Pakistan and founder of Pakistan Mountain Festival, emphasised the critical importance of preserving mountain ecosystems. He underscored that these regions harbor invaluable natural resources that are at risk due to unsustainable practices. Highlighting the pivotal role of communities in environmental protection and socioeconomic development in mountainous areas, he stressed the need for concerted efforts to safeguard these ecosystems.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Punjab Arts Council Rawalpindi urged educational institutions to involve students in environmental conservation efforts and reduce the consumption of natural resources.
He lauded the use of creative arts as an effective tool for raising environmental awareness. He also commended Devcom-Pakistan for its annual flagship event commemorating International Mountain Day on December 11.
Shoaib Hameed, the assistant director of the Snow Leopard Foundation, visited the competition and praised the participants for their remarkable work. He emphasised the imperative of restoring mountain ecosystems within the framework of climate resilience to empower communities to protect their homelands. He also highlighted SLF’s engagement in snow leopard conservation across 12 countries.
Riffat Ara Baig, the event coordinator, commended the students for showcasing their creative talents and suggested leveraging their potential to highlight conservation efforts. She emphasised the crucial role of mountains in providing water and food supplies to millions of people globally, emphasising the significance of mountain conservation.
Among the participants, Kanwal Maqsood from Rawalpindi Women University painted the Himalayan brown bear, highlighting concerns about tourism interventions compromising conservation efforts in the Deosai National Park. Another participant, Zoha Khan, depicted the endangered snow leopard, advocating for intensified efforts to protect its habitats.
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