Photo exhibit highlights majesty of glaciers

Show features 21 large-scale glaciers of north, 40 images of Baltoro cleanup

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) hosted the opening of "The Colours of the ICE," a captivating three-day exhibition showcasing photos and paintings of glaciers.

This event marks the commencement of the 13th edition of the Pakistan Mountain Festival, an annual flagship event by Devcom-Pakistan, honouring International Mountain Day.

The exhibition showcased 21 large-size photos reflecting the colours and textures of the glaciers in the north of Pakistan, 40 photos of the Boltoro cleanup, 12 paintings of the Himalayan Odyssey series by Raja Changez Sultan, and a few more paintings by the students.

Italian Ambassador Andreas Ferrarese was the chief guest on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, he said the mountains play a key role in life on the planet. The Italian government has always been out to support initiatives regarding research, science, conservation, and development, he added.

He appreciated the role of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, EvK2CNR, UNDP, and IUCN for their relentless efforts to empower mountain stakeholders to conserve local resources.

The ambassador shared that mountains are host to about half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. They are the water towers of the world and supply freshwater to an estimated half of humanity. He said, “Mountains are home to an extraordinary range of plants and animals and to many culturally diverse communities with different languages and traditions.” From climate regulation and water provisioning services to soil maintenance and conservation, mountains are key to our lives and livelihoods, he added.

Read Himalayan glaciers melting 65 percent faster than previous decade: study

Meanwhile, UNDP Pakistan Country Representative Samuel Rizk stated that mountains and their natives have become more vulnerable in the changing climate. Mountain regions are complex in their geomorphology and therefore more vulnerable to variations in temperatures and changes in patterns of hydrology. Both have a direct impact on mountain communities, adding fragility to lives already clinging tenuously to ecosystems for sustenance.

Gigit-Batistan Secretary Finance Aziz Ahmad Jamil while appreciating the contribution of the development partners said Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) covers over 72,000 square kilometres, also housing the world’s highest mountain range. It has a large potential for hydro and biodiversity too, but resource resource-starved GB region always looks for development partners’ support to harness the potential of its resources. Much wonderful work is done by the partners for the communities and much more has to be done.

While talking about glaciers, Maurizo Gallo said glaciers are alive, they move, change, and evolve. They have sounds and colours. The artistic project reveals to us the 'Colours of Ice” as seen through the eyes of nature, science, and art.

In addition to the satellite photographs documenting the glacier, AI-generated images are used to reprocess scientific data, introducing new colours to the ice that display its boundaries, temperature, melting, and future scenarios. This exhibition is the ultimate interpretation of an artist’s sensitivity in the photographs taken inside the glacier.

In the end, AICS representative, Jacopo Branchesi mentioned their project activities in Pakistan in the sector of mountain conservation, livelihood, and tourism.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 12^th, 2023.