The first bi-annual conferences and exhibits were held in Yangshila to stimulate discussion and create awareness around critical local issues such as poaching, illegal trade, youth out-migration, gender discrimination, encroachment, deforestation, wetland degradation climate change to influence local and national practices and policies. In 2017, we will be holding new exhibits focused on flagship species and the Indigenous Knowledge Portal (IKP). The concept is to have exhibits move upstream and downstream from Learning Grounds to Learning Grounds, to enhance knowledge and cooperation. These exhibits will also be venues to sign up additional BELT Farmers.

KTK-BELT held a major community exhibit revealing each of the designs of Yangshila’s 22 Learning Grounds and eliciting community feedback and ideas. The exhibit was attended by over 500 local farmers and engaged more than 800 local students from 9 schools. It also illustrated how Learning Grounds can facilitate community learning, discussion and education. The exhibit was supported by Robotics Association of Nepal (RAN) which helped incorporate virtual reality and motion sensors.

This powerful, interactive exhibit included photographs of local impacts on the Majhi community in Kurule, from award-winning photographer Kishor Sharma. The exhibit was shown at the local high school in Kurule and also in Yangshbla’s Rangcha Learning Grounds.