Bengaluru: The Karnataka Forest Department, in collaboration with retired Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests M.N. Jayakumar, is set to organize an exhibition titled “Encounters in the Wild 2.0” to commemorate 50 years of Project Tiger.
The inauguration of this exciting exhibition will be carried out by Minister for Forests Eshwar Khandre at Chitrakala Parishat in Bengaluru.
Nature enthusiasts eagerly anticipate this exhibition, which promises a captivating visual journey through the jungles of India, Southeast Asia, Africa, and America.
In addition to celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Project Tiger, this wildlife photography exhibition will also highlight the diversity of wildlife and nature worldwide.
The exhibition, a collaboration between Jayakumar and the Karnataka Forest Department, will feature 231 photographs. Beyond the visual display, there will be free talks and presentations every evening from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., featuring experts in wildlife conservation, photography, and filmmaking who will share their experiences with the audience.
Admission to this 11-day exhibition is free for all.
Earlier in the month, the Karnataka Forest Department conducted a statewide photography competition with the theme “Biodiversity of Karnataka.” The best 40 images from the competition will be showcased in Chitrakala Parishath’s D Devaraj Urs gallery during the exhibition.
M.N. Jayakumar expressed his vision for the exhibition: “Through ‘Encounters in the Wild 2.0,’ we aim to transport visitors into the heart of the wild, showcasing the beauty of our natural world while paying homage to the invaluable legacy of Project Tiger. Visitors can scan the QR code for each photo and get more information about the photo, including some fun facts. For those who are visually impaired or prefer to listen to the information, they can plug in their headphones for an audio narration. This exhibition is not just a celebration but a call to action, urging us to be stewards of our planet’s biodiversity and protect our apex predators and their habitats.”
Rajiv Ranjan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, emphasized the proactive role of the Karnataka Forest Department in raising awareness about forest conservation. He highlighted the success of ‘Project Tiger’ in Karnataka, with the state now home to 563 tigers, the second-highest population in the country. Karnataka also plays a crucial role in preserving the biodiversity of the Western Ghats, a recognized Biodiversity Hotspot.
