ISLAMABAD: An exhibition of paintings and photographs titled ‘Art for Snow Leopard Conservation’ opened on Friday highlighting the unique ecosystem of Hopar valley in Nagar district which is one of the major habitats of snow leopards.

Inaugurated by Ambassador of Kyrgyz Republic Erik Beishembiev at Gallery 6, the three-day show features paintings and photographs by seven artists.

Addressing a gathering of artists, diplomats as well as art and nature lovers, the ambassador appreciated efforts of the artists, photographers, the gallery and the Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) for creating awareness and educating local communities about conservation of the elusive cat.

Our government emphasises on the need to support sustainable livelihoods and protection of biodiversity in the mountain regions which covers half of Kyrgyzstan, he said, adding that his government has taken steps to preserve the animal including celebration of Oct 23 as the International Day of the Snow Leopard and setting up of the secretariat of the Global Snow Leopard and Environmental Protection (GSLEP) in Bishkek.

These efforts have resulted in stabilising the population of snow leopards and preserving their habitat in Kyrgyzstan, he concluded.

The artists went on an art retreat to Hogar Valley, organised by SLF on a suggestion from environment conservation activist and former federal secretary Syed Abu Ahmad Akif.

Using different mediums not only did the artists capture breathtaking scenic views of the valley but also got a chance to interact with school children and the local community.

The exhibition, which is a joint effort of six artists and two photographers, portrays how the valley’s ecosystem is threatened from climate change and tourism, drawing attention towards the need to promote ecotourism and putting an end to unnecessary construction in the area.

“This is the fourth such show dedicated to conservation of the snow leopard and other wild carnivores across Pakistan,” said curator Dr Arjumand Faisel, in his welcome address.

It is encouraging to see that a great number of creative minds are joining forces with SLF for protection of these beautiful cats and the habitats without any support from the government, he added.

Mr Faisel, a social activist and established artist himself, has painted the Sacred Rocks drawing inspiration from the Buddhist rock art at Haldekish in Hunza. Using mud on canvas to imitate the texture of rocks, Mr Faisel with the help of patterns and symbols has narrated a story depicting effects of climate change and snow leopard poaching.

Bushra Khalid, through her paintings in multiple layers of acrylic sheets, has created the effect of gradual disappearance of the image portraying how snow leopard skin can be seen as a rug in homes or on dresses of people from the elite class.

Hamid Hanbhi in his work has shown decrease in the population of the animal using bright colours on deflated balloons shaped as snow leopards, indicating that dead snow leopards, even if decorated on walls are meaningless.

Sujjal Kiani’s painting Until the last balloon pops portrays that the natural ecosystem is being rapidly replaced by man-made things.

Her sculptures Who said time heals all wounds portraying glaciers as a bandage boldly state that some damages are beyond repair and make the viewer realise that nature’s gifts must be preserved at all costs before it is too late.

Tahir Bilal Ummi has painted landscapes showing Hopar Valley’s green fields and magnificent snowy mountains.

Yasir Mehmood and former ambassador Tariq Zameer in their photographs have captured the valley’s landscape, flora and fauna, glaciers, peaks and portraits of locals in their daily lives.

The snow leopard, known for its beauty, is found in harsh, snowy, rugged alpine regions across 12 countries in Central and South Asia, including Pakistan. This remarkable animal plays a key role as both a top predator and an indicator of the health of its high-altitude habitat. If snow leopards thrive so will countless other species, as well as millions of people whose livelihoods depend on the rivers flowing down from mountains.

According to an estimate there are 4,000 to 6,000 snow leopards in the wild, and their number is on the decline due to habitat loss, poaching and the impact of climate change, lack of awareness among relevant people and support.

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2020