The winners of the Tree of the Year 2021 have finally been announced in an award ceremony with the photography and storytelling exhibition held in Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap. Bibek Shrestha was triumphant winning the first prize followed by Tripti Tamang Pakhrin and Biplav Regmi, the first and second runner-up. The winners won the prize of Rs. 50,000, Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 20,000 respectively.
Tree of the Year, affiliated to Asian Tree of the Year, is a national level photography and storytelling competition, is incepted with an aim to conserve trees with special values, beliefs and significance associated with the indigenous communities for their identification and protection. The top three winning photographs of Tree of the Year Nepal will now be competing at the Asian level.
Bibek discovered the Peepal tree biking from Dhanushadham temple from Janakpurdham where bikers and cyclers often take refuge under the tree and explained how Charkose Jhadi was once a dense subtropical forest belt but that his province now has the lowest forest cover in Nepal.
Tripty’s tree stands alone in the vast landscape of a barren cold desert almost seems like an oasis of offerings. The Shukpa tree in Manang is just that- a tree that has cultural, religious, medicinal, and geographical significance to the people.
Biplav’s tree is the only tree that is situated in the middle of the fields quite often used as a place to rest after a long day of working on the fields. It could be seen as an oasis in the hot days of Terai.
Mr Indu Kumar Joshi, Deputy DG, Department of Environment said, “Trees are an essential part of life which is required in every aspect of our daily living. Youths' engagement in biodiversity conservation is necessary. As trees are being destroyed and houses are being made in their place, as pollution is increasing day by day. This event opens our eyes on educating us and looking in a multi-dimensional perspective as one tree can change one’s life.”
Dr Ghana Shyam Subedi, WWF Nepal said, “It is important for youth to be involved in bio-diversity So, it is important for youths to be involved in the conservation of trees for future reference.”
Mr Ranjit Acharya, CEO of Prisma Advertising said, “What does a tree tell? I breathe air so that you can live, we can know the importance of the trees through this which is why it is necessary to voice out our opinions on the importance of trees. The participants showed the importance of trees of local communities so as the local communities will do something for the preservation of these trees.”
Mr Aanand Mishra, Founder and President of CREASION Nepal said, “There is a bond created with this competition. We are committed to continuing this competition. Let’s preserve Nepal’s nature, plant more trees. A small contribution can make a big difference. We need to look from a governmental perspective and find better ways to preserve trees by not cutting them and envision a conscious outlook for the community.”
The event was attended by Mr Indu Kumar Joshi, Deputy DG, Department of Environment, Dr Ghana Shyam Subedi, WWF Nepal, Mr Aanand Mishra, Founder and President of CREASION Nepal, Dr Chudamani Joshi- Landscape Ecologist, Special Advisor to the Embassy of Finland, Kathmandu, Mr Ranjit Acharya- CEO of Prisma Advertising, Motivational Speaker, Writer, Poet and Lyricist, Mr Bisam Gyawali- United Nations Volunteers Nepal (UNV) Country Coordinator and Nisha Adhikari Malla- Goodwill Ambassador- Tree of the Year Nepal, Actress, Model and Mountaineer who was also present for the ceremony.
The Asian Tree of the Year is running in five different countries: Singapore, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, India, and Nepal. The continent-wide contest is organized by Carbon Consulting Company (CCC), and the nationwide competition is organized by CREASION in Nepal partnered with United Nations Volunteers Nepal (UNV Nepal).
The purpose of Tree of the Year Nepal is to give significance to trees in Nepal which have cultural significance by bringing out stories to create an impact by touching the hearts of people to ensure better care and protection. For the past three renditions, Nepal and our winners have won 1st place in “Asian Tree of the Year” for three consecutive years.
Our judging panel consisted of our esteemed judges who have a great eye for photography and stories are joining us for the 5th Tree of the Year Nepal event.
The list of judges is as follows:
1. Dr Chudamani Joshi- Landscape Ecologist, Special Advisor to the Embassy of Finland, Kathmandu
2. Mr Ranjit Acharya- CEO of Prisma Advertising, Motivational Speaker, Writer, Poet and Lyricist
3. Bikash Karki- President, Photo Journalist Club and Photo Editor, Annapurna Post.
4. Bisam Gyawali- United Nations Volunteers Nepal (UNV) Country Coordinator
5. Nisha Adhikari Malla- Goodwill Ambassador- Tree of the Year Nepal, Actress, Model and Mountaineer
Submissions for the contest were open from September 1, 2021, to October 9, 2021. The 2021 Tree of the Year Nepal was provided with additional support by Photo Concern.