Camilio

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Dear readers and/or blog followers,

On the 14th of August 2023 there was a FUTURE forest planted in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India, and I want to tell you about it. I'm excited to take you on a journey to explore an innovative art project that promises to redefine the future of forests in the world. Well, that is my hope and wish. Lead by example. Just like the captivating FUTURE FORESTS APAGA initiative, which I previously delved into, we now turn our attention to BHAVISHY, a conceptual art project that combines art, sustainability, and environmental conservation in the vibrant landscape of Rajasthan, India.

BHAVISHY, which translates to "future" in Hindi, encapsulates the essence of forward-thinking environmental stewardship and cultural preservation of a Dutch artist, like myself. It's an ambitious attempt that seeks to transform barren lands into lush, biodiverse forests, while simultaneously fostering a deeper connection between communities and their natural surroundings. All done with the help of the landowner and a tree supplier. And it must be stated, only indigenous trees are used.

At the heart of BHAVISHY lies the concept of reforestation through art. Much like FUTURE FORESTS APAGA planted in Armenia, Sevan, a year before, where local youth and their leaders (and EU4Culture initiative further implemented by: Regional Development and Research Centre / Sevan Community Municipality / 'Sevan Youth Club‘’ and New Art Stage (NAS)), collaborate to breathe life into deforested areas, BHAVISHY harnesses the power of creativity to inspire positive change. 

One of the most intriguing aspects of BHAVISHY is its emphasis on indigenous knowledge and community engagement. By involving local communities, but especially Familial Forestry and its founder, in every stage of the project, from planning to implementation, BHAVISHY ensures that the forests it creates are not only ecologically sustainable but also culturally significant. Through working with Familia Forestry and the students of Dunbar College, BHAVISHY forest fosters a sense of ownership and pride among residents, empowering them to become guardians of their forest heritage.

But BHAVISHY Forest is more than just a reforestation initiative; it's a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of environmental challenges. In a country like India, where rapid urbanization and industrialization threaten fragile ecosystems, BHAVISHY Forest serves as a beacon of sustainable development. By demonstrating the potential for coexistence between humans and nature, BHAVISHY paves the way for a greener, more equitable future.

As I reflect on the transformative power of BHAVISHY, I'm reminded of the words of Mahatma Gandhi: "Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs, but not every man's greed." In a world where the health of our planet hangs in the balance, initiatives like BHAVISHY remind us of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve our natural heritage for generations to come.

In conclusion, BHAVISHY Forest is not just about planting trees; it's about sowing the seeds of change and nurturing them with care and creativity. It's about envisioning a future where forests thrive, communities flourish, and the bonds between humans and nature are strengthened. So let us embrace the spirit of BHAVISHY and embark on this journey towards a brighter, greener tomorrow.

Thank you for reading, Camilio


BHAVISHY forest could not have been realized without the help of my family, friends, followers and sponsors through VoorDeKunst.nl, Familial Forestry (Founder Prof. Shyam Sunder Jyani), students of Dungar college and many I forget to mention here.