The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce this year’s recipients of the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).  Two grants were awarded to the Mountain Institute and Living Traditions Museum to support important preservation projects in Nepal.

Through the AFCP, the U.S. Embassy will provide $87,800 to the Mountain Institute for preservation of the 11th-Century Richenling Monastery in Halji, Humla District. This historic monastery is at risk of destruction due to flooding from a rapidly-forming glacial lake to the north. 

The second AFCP-funded project totaling $25,706 will support the Living Traditions Museum and conservation of ethnographic objects in Changu Narayan, Bhaktapur District.  This project will help illustrate the historic and cultural significance of the Changu Narayan Temple and Changu village, which is among the oldest religious and cultural sites in the Kathmandu Valley.

Established by U.S. Congress and administered by the Department of State, the AFCP has supported the preservation of cultural sites, cultural objects and forms of traditional cultural expression since 2001.  Since its inception, the AFCP has demonstrated America’s respect for the cultural heritage of other countries by supporting over 750 projects in more than 120 countries.  These contributions represent a commitment of more than $40 million towards cultural heritage preservation needs around the globe, including more than $1.8 million in Nepal.