Note to Correspondents

PHOTO EXHIBIT ENTITLED “SHARED DESTINY: WILDLIFE FROM AFRICA TO THE ARCTIC”

OPENS 4 JUNE AT UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS

 

In recognition of World Environment Day, a photographic exhibition titled “Shared Destiny:  Wildlife from Africa to the Arctic” will open at a ceremony and reception on Thursday, 4 June, at 7 p.m. in the North-East Gallery of the Visitors’ Lobby.  It will remain on display until 12 July.

Sponsored by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the exhibit showcases the work of photographers Luo Hong and Nigel Barker, which simultaneously celebrate the planet’s wildlife and address human practices that affect global biodiversity.

A national of China, Luo Hong has used his success as a businessman to pursue wildlife photography and to support environmental causes globally.  In November 2006, he established his own Environment Foundation, which trains and rewards talented youths worldwide for environmental protection and contributed to environmental awareness projects associated with the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.  For the past several years, he has also supported UNEP’s Children’s Painting Competitions in China, a hugely successful event with about 1.5 million participants.

British-born Nigel Barker is a world-renowned photographer, whose credits include his recent work on the worldwide hit television show America’s Next Top Model.  He directs and produces films, documentaries and commercials for fashion and entertainment industry clients, as well as international charitable organizations, such as the Humane Society International.

In line with the 2009 World Environment Day theme of “Your Planet Needs You”, Luo and Barker’s work make a profound statement about the humbling beauty of life and serve as an inspiring call to action for all global citizens to protect our precious environment.

World Environment Day is commemorated each year on 5 June, with Mexico hosting the 2009 international observance.  It is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.  For more information on the Day, see www.unep.org/wed.

For more information on the exhibit, please contact Jan Arnesen at tel: +1 212 963 8531; Liza Wichmann at tel: +1 212 963 0089, of the Outreach Division, United Nations Department of Public Information; or Jim Sniffen, at +1 212 963 8094, of the UNEP New York Office.

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For information media • not an official record