Enderun Colleges, Taguig City, 24 September 2024
OPENING REMARKS
Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim
Executive Director, ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
His Excellency, the Ambassador of Switzerland to the Philippines, Dr. Nicolas Brühl
His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Sonexay Vannaxay
His Excellency, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates Mohamed Obaid Alzaabi
Honourable officials and representatives from the ASEAN Member States here present: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Myanmar;
Our sectoral dialogue partners from Brazil and Morocco;
Esteemed guests,
- Sec. Carlito Galvez, Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity
- Former Senator Atty. Leila De Lima
- Ms. Doris Magsaysay-Ho, President and CEO of Magsaysay Group of Companies
Partners from Enderun Colleges, The Center for Possibilities Foundation, Inc. represented by its founder Ms. Dolores Cheng, and from A Child’s Dream Foundation represented by its founder, Dr. Francis Dimalanta.
Samantha, Michelle, and Martin Kaspar;
Colleagues from the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, ladies and gentlemen, good evening and welcome to this special exhibit celebrating biodiversity from the unique perspective of an extraordinary artist, Samantha Kaspar.
A few months ago, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, or the ACB, launched Zooming in on Biodiversity, an ASEAN-wide photo contest to promote appreciation for the region’s biodiversity. We will soon announce the winners from around 2,000 submissions featuring our colourful flora and fauna, lush green forests, and vast clear waters reflecting clear blue skies. Browsing through these photos, one would say that biodiversity is indeed a rich tapestry of colours – a truly exceptional work of art.
Today, we once more celebrate the beauty and healing power of nature, through the eyes of our dear Samantha. This is our second time to collaborate with her through an exhibit of her work, but our partnership is always evident in the advocacy materials of the ACB, as she and her family, Mitzi and Martin, have graciously allowed us to use reprints of her paintings, for free, in our information and education campaigns.
Established in 2005, the ACB was the ASEAN Member States’ response to the biodiversity loss. For almost 20 years, we have been working with various partners and like-minded organisations to make sure that biodiversity is appreciated in different fields, including in economic progress, in the arts, and in improving people’s health and well-being. While at first we do not realise the relationship between nature and these other other fields, they have a valuable connection that is key to sustaining the benefits that we so much enjoy. Intangible benefits such as clean air, clean water, natural defence against extreme climatic events, and inspiration for creativity and invention, are all essential in ensuring our meaningful existence on this planet.
For many artists, biodiversity sparks inspiration to create art. Throughout history, artists all over the world have expressed the wonders of nature. Swiss Ferdinand Hodler showcased ingenuity by painting mountains and beautiful landscapes. The Philippines’ own Fernando Amorsolo had his own rendition of picturesque rural scenes with domestic animals in harmony with paddy fields and mountains. Jumaldi Alfi, an Indonesian artist presented captivating yet peaceful-looking landscapes while Singaporean Instagram artist by the name of Kenneth Chin found satisfaction in celebrating both terrestrial and marine species through watercolour and digital arts. Our own Young ASEAN Storyteller from Brunei Darussalam, Elroy Ramantan, creates embroidered masterpieces that highlight the relationship between cultural knowledge and nature.
Beyond providing visual appreciation, art provides an outlet for emotions and ideas that may be difficult to articulate through words or actions. It’s therapeutic. The process of creating art—whether painting, drawing, or sculpting—can be deeply healing, helping people express complex feelings, process difficult experiences, and explore their inner worlds. It transcends language, allowing for a more personal and profound form of communication and healing.
As we continue to raise awareness on the value and beauty of biodiversity, we invite everyone – nature lovers, art enthusiasts, or both – biodiversity and neurodiversity advocates, to join our efforts in safeguarding our region’s unique natural wealth, reflected here in all of Samantha’s incredible work.
This evening is a recognition of the deep connection between art and nature. It is a testament to a fruitful collaboration, demonstrating how nature inspires art and how art can promote conservation of nature and encourage humanity to become better stewards of our environment.
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to my team, headed by Ms. Pamela Reblora, for their hard work in the past weeks to help bring this exhibit to life, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we have accomplished. Happy anniversary to the ACB!
Finally, to all of you here tonight, may you not only enjoy, but also reflect on the beauty and richness of our biodiversity in full colour, brought to you through the stunning art of Ms Samantha Kaspar!
Thank you and have a wonderful evening!
