Tanzania
The 2016 World Wood Day (21st March) explored the theme “Nature & Culture” and launched new innovative programs. The 4th grand event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, Government of Nepal, International Wood Culture Society (IWCS), together with the secretariat of the organizing committee, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and was greatly supported by the local steering and supportive members, along with international organizations. The host country, Nepal, renowned for its geographic and cultural diversity, warmly welcomed 500 participants from 100 countries and regions all over the world. More than 40,000 citizens and tourists were excited about the activities and visited the event venue, Nepal Academy, located in the heart of Kathmandu.
Opening Ceremony
One of the best highlights was the Opening Ceremony on the morning of 21st March. It has been an absolute honor to have the Right Honourable President of Nepal, Bidhya Devi Bhandari, for lighting the panas, her inspiring speech and attendance in the memorable tree planting. The Honorable Minister Agni Prasad Sapkota of the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, the co-organizer from 2015 World Wood Day in Turkey, the Mayor of Odunpazarı Belediyesi, Eskişehir, Mr. Kazım Kurt, Dr. Andrew Wong of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), Dr. Howard Rosen, World Wood Day Foundation Chair, and Dr. Mon-Lin Kuo, Vice-President of IWCS all joined the worldwide participants to show their support and encouragement and enjoyed the theme-focused multicultural performance presented by professional musicians and dancers from 12 countries.
Children's Event
“Environmental education is important for the younger generation. They have to acquire the right idea about using wood," said Professor Yang Ping, the instructor of Wood Education Program. Yang encouraged participating children to think about different questions, such as if trees could be cut down or not. Children learned about the advantages of wood and to understand why wood is good through touching, smelling, listening and playing with wooden toys. These young students were also learned about environmental science with DIY activities. The educational yet fun-paced program drew a close with a drawing contest themed “I Love Trees” to express what they could do to benefit nature.
Woodcraft
The 2016 World Wood Day International Woodcarving Show featured 112 participants from 73 countries around the world. From raw wood material selection to the woodcarving show, woodcarvers showcased their skills and talents through their art during the week-long event. The audience had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the magnificent world of woodcraft and witness the creative process of how woodcarvers transform rough raw material into enchanting art pieces.
Symposium
As an integral part of the World Wood Day event, the symposium program examined a broad spectrum of wood-related research with the theme "Nature and Culture: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Peaceful Coexistence and Sustainable Development." Speakers seized this opportunity to present and share their research findings and ideas through keynote addresses, talks and discussions. 24 international and 19 Nepali experts in multiple disciplines exchanged on six sub-categories ranging from cultural heritage, sustainable development, to art, design and architecture. Topics examined during the three-day event shed new light on current issues facing Nepal and the world and to enhance multidisciplinary discussions for a sustainable future.
Tree Planting
World Wood Day is also an important occasion to convey the message of environmental conservation to the general public. To fulfill this purpose, a Tree Planting activity is held every year. This year, Bidhya Devi Bhandari, President of Nepal, planted a memorial tree outside the Nepal Academy to conclude the WWD opening ceremony on 21 March. On 26 March, honorable guests and 300 participants jointly planted 182 saplings of 23 wood species at the National Botanical Gardens, Godawari, Lalitpur. After rituals performed by Nepali and Latin American musicians, participants were excited to photograph with the trees and dance together. Such a scene is an ideal interpretation of the theme “Nature and Culture”.
Awarding Ceremony
Following the exciting ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Grande Exhibition that presented the marvelous outcomes of every project, the Closing Ceremony was on the afternoon of 25 March with brief yet touching presentations by the 11 project leaders. The wooden music concert invited all participants and public to a special night out which served as a great conclusion to this international, intercultural and inspirational week.
Socials
Designed particularly according to repeated requests from previous participants to have more time to exchange ideas and establish friendships with one another, four special gatherings were scheduled for one hour each where project leaders can explain their work and share experiences. It was a great opportunity to learn about other wood culture programs and connect with each other.