IVAD 2026: Vulture Artwork Festival

International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD)-2026

Background

Vultures are essential to healthy ecosystems, acting as nature’s clean-up crew by rapidly removing animal carcasses and helping reduce the spread of disease and environmental contamination. Yet, despite their vital ecological and public-health role, vultures remain among the world’s most threatened groups of birds. In South Asia, several species suffered catastrophic population declines, largely driven by veterinary drugs such as diclofenac, alongside habitat loss, poisoning, and other human-induced threats.

Through collaboration among conservation organizations, government agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders, Nepal has made significant progress in addressing threats and supporting the recovery of threatened vulture populations.

International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD), observed annually on the first Saturday of September, provides a global platform to raise awareness of vultures and inspire action for their conservation. Activities around the world include education, art, exhibitions, birdwatching, public events, and community outreach.

IVAD 2026: Vulture Artwork Festival

To celebrate IVAD 2026, Himalayan Raptors is organizing a Vulture Artwork Festival, to engage student artists from +2, Bachelor, and Master levels. By engaging student artists through creative artworks, the festival aims to:

  • Foster a deeper appreciation for vultures and their habitats.
  • Inspire positive attitudes toward wildlife conservation.
  • Produce powerful visual ambassadors to promote collective action for Nepal's vulture populations.

 

Participation Guidelines 

IVAD 2026: Vulture Artwork Festival

Motto: "Art for Nature, Celebrate Vultures."

1. Purpose

The Vulture Artwork Festival is organized to celebrate International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) 2026. Our objectives are to:

  • Increase public awareness regarding the vital ecological role of vultures.
  • Promote the appreciation of Nepal’s nine vulture species and their habitats.
  • Inspire creativity and foster environmental stewardship among students, artists, and the public.
  • Align with global efforts to change perceptions and engage communities in conservation.

2. Eligibility

This competition is open to Nepalese students currently enrolled at the +2, Bachelor’s, or Master’s level.

3. Festival Themes

Participants must choose one of the following themes for their artwork:

  • Vultures: Guardians of Nature
  • Nature's Clean-up Crew
  • Save Vultures, Save Ourselves
  • Safe Skies for Vultures
  • Vultures and Communities

4. Artwork Requirements

  • Originality: All submissions must be original, hand-drawn, or digital artwork. Tracing, copied images, and AI-generated content are strictly prohibited. Previously published or awarded works are ineligible.
  • Mediums: Hand-drawn submissions may use pencil, color pencil, watercolor, acrylic, poster color, oil pastel, charcoal, ink, or mixed media.
  • Orientation: Either portrait or landscape is acceptable. While artistic expression is encouraged, participants should aim to portray vultures with anatomical realism.

5. Judging Criteria

  • Creativity and originality: 30%
  • Conservation message: 25%
  • Artistic quality: 20%
  • Scientific accuracy: 15%
  • Overall Visual impact: 10%

6. Submission Guidelines

  • Submission Window: 15 August – 31 August 2026.
  • File Format: JPEG, JPG, PNG, or TIFF.
  • Dimensions/Resolution: Minimum 3600 x 2400 pixels at 300 DPI (3:2 or 2:3 aspect ratio).
  • Anonymity: Please ensure no names or signatures appear on the artwork itself.
  • Required Information: Submit your artwork along with the following details:
    • Participant Name, Age, Institution, District, Contact Information, and Artwork Title (optional).

Use a Google Form to submit your artwork: https://forms.gle/fQrSTfGK6eyU7oyaA

7. Use of Artworks & Copyright

  • Copyright: Copyright remains with the artist.
  • Licensing: By participating, entrants grant the organizers a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to exhibit and reproduce the artwork for educational and conservation purposes (e.g., social media, calendars, books, brochures, and exhibitions). Proper attribution will be provided to the artist.

8. Prizes

  • Champion: NPR 5,000
  • First Runner-up: NPR 3,000
  • Second Runner-up: NPR 2,000
  • Recognition: All participants will receive a Digital Certificate of Participation.

9. Results & Distribution

  • Announcement: Winners will be announced via the official Himalayan Raptor website and social media channels.
  • Notification: Winners will be contacted directly via phone.
  • Distribution: Prize funds will be transferred via bank transfer or cheque.