Bangkok, 03 March 2013- Vibrantly-coloured snakes, predatory sharks, and delicate orchids are among the flora and fauna featured in a new international photography exhibition and publication launched today to mark the 40th anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the 16th Conference of the Parties to CITES in Bangkok.
Seven of the world's most renowned nature photographers have taken part in the 'Wild and Precious' initiative organized by the GoodPlanet Foundation to celebrate the achievements of CITES.
The photographs aim to draw attention to the trade in flowers, horn, skins and fins which is major factor is the endangered status of many of the plants and animals featured in the exhibition.
The WILD & PRECIOUS exhibition, in collaboration with CITES and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), features contributions by renowned photographers Laurent Baheux, Sandra Bartocha, Heidi and Hans-Jurgen Koch, Mark Laita, Brian Skerry and Yann Arthus-Bertrand.
The WILD & PRECIOUS book contains 192 pages of success stories on species conservation from across the world. It highlights the threats facing the survival of certain species and outlines some key conservation solutions. The book is divided into six chapters, each covering a specific conservation issue and illustrated by full-page pictures. The text is written by the GoodPlanet Foundation. a French NGO founded by photographer and UNEP Goodwill Ambassador, Yann Arthus-Bertrand.
The WILD & PRECIOUS exhibition aims to bring these striking images to the attention of delegates at the CITES CoP, before traveling to other major cities around the world. It is expected that the exhibition will be held in international airports worldwide, with the aim of encouraging the world's citizens to think and act responsibly regarding trade in animal and plants.
The book and exhibition carry a positive message of hope. It is not too late to tackle illegal wildlife trade and promote the sustainable use of nature which provides the livelihoods necessary to encourage communities to support endangered species and their habitats.
WILD & PRECIOUS, QUOTES
BEAUTY IS OUR DRIVING FORCE
« Beauty is the driving force of my work as a photographer, and of my fellow photographers who kindly contributed to this exhibition. Beauty moves the heart, it opens the mind. Beauty arouses empathy towards humans and other living species. As a photographer but also as the president of a NGO which works towards making the world a better place, I hope that the beauty of these pictures will inspire you with the will to take action to protect biodiversity. »
YANN ARTHUS-BERTRAND President of the GoodPlanet Foundation and UNEP goodwill ambassador
HOPE FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
A new era of global cooperation to conserve and sustainably use wildlife was launched on March 3rd 1973 at the World Wildlife Conference in Washington D.C. with the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Thus far, none of the 35 000CITES-listed species has been driven to extinction as a result of commercial exploitation authorised by CITES, and world leaders expressly recognized the importance of the convention at the 20th Anniversary of the Rio Earth Summit (Rio+20). It is an inspiring example of successful international cooperation and national action that gives us hope for a sustainable future in which humans and wildlife coexist in harmony. » JOHN E. SCANLON, Secretary-General of CITES
THE WEALTH ON THE PLANET
« Biodiversity- the wealth of species of plants and animals on the planet?has for millennia been part of the spiritual dimension of humanity and a source of joy and beauty for communities and citizens. But over the past few years, the central role of species as building blocks of ecosystems and thus human well-being has come to the fore. In this 40th anniversary year, amidst challenges and opportunities, let the world renew and recommit to the mission of CITES in order for it to fulfill its important role as a supportive pillar of a transition to a Green Economy and a sustainable 21st century. » ACHIM STEINER UN Under-Secretary General and UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director
Bangkok, 03 March 2013
- Vibrantly-coloured snakes, predatory sharks, and delicate orchids are among the flora and fauna featured in a new international photography exhibition and publication launched today to mark the 40th anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the 16th Conference of the Parties to CITES in Bangkok.
Seven of the world's most renowned nature photographers have taken part in the 'Wild and Precious' initiative organized by the GoodPlanet Foundation to celebrate the achievements of CITES.
The photographs aim to draw attention to the trade in flowers, horn, skins and fins which is major factor is the endangered status of many of the plants and animals featured in the exhibition.
The WILD & PRECIOUS exhibition, in collaboration with CITES and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), features contributions by renowned photographers Laurent Baheux, Sandra Bartocha, Heidi and Hans-Jurgen Koch, Mark Laita, Brian Skerry and Yann Arthus-Bertrand.
The WILD & PRECIOUS book contains 192 pages of success stories on species conservation from across the world. It highlights the threats facing the survival of certain species and outlines some key conservation solutions. The book is divided into six chapters, each covering a specific conservation issue and illustrated by full-page pictures. The text is written by the GoodPlanet Foundation. a French NGO founded by photographer and UNEP Goodwill Ambassador, Yann Arthus-Bertrand.
The WILD & PRECIOUS exhibition aims to bring these striking images to the attention of delegates at the CITES CoP, before traveling to other major cities around the world. It is expected that the exhibition will be held in international airports worldwide, with the aim of encouraging the world's citizens to think and act responsibly regarding trade in animal and plants.
The book and exhibition carry a positive message of hope. It is not too late to tackle illegal wildlife trade and promote the sustainable use of nature which provides the livelihoods necessary to encourage communities to support endangered species and their habitats.
WILD & PRECIOUS, QUOTES
BEAUTY IS OUR DRIVING FORCE
« Beauty is the driving force of my work as a photographer, and of my fellow photographers who kindly contributed to this exhibition. Beauty moves the heart, it opens the mind. Beauty arouses empathy towards humans and other living species. As a photographer but also as the president of a NGO which works towards making the world a better place, I hope that the beauty of these pictures will inspire you with the will to take action to protect biodiversity. »
YANN ARTHUS-BERTRAND President of the GoodPlanet Foundation and UNEP goodwill ambassador
HOPE FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
A new era of global cooperation to conserve and sustainably use wildlife was launched on March 3rd 1973 at the World Wildlife Conference in Washington D.C. with the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Thus far, none of the 35 000CITES-listed species has been driven to extinction as a result of commercial exploitation authorised by CITES, and world leaders expressly recognized the importance of the convention at the 20th Anniversary of the Rio Earth Summit (Rio+20). It is an inspiring example of successful international cooperation and national action that gives us hope for a sustainable future in which humans and wildlife coexist in harmony. » JOHN E. SCANLON, Secretary-General of CITES
THE WEALTH ON THE PLANET
« Biodiversity- the wealth of species of plants and animals on the planet?has for millennia been part of the spiritual dimension of humanity and a source of joy and beauty for communities and citizens. But over the past few years, the central role of species as building blocks of ecosystems and thus human well-being has come to the fore. In this 40th anniversary year, amidst challenges and opportunities, let the world renew and recommit to the mission of CITES in order for it to fulfill its important role as a supportive pillar of a transition to a Green Economy and a sustainable 21st century. » ACHIM STEINER UN Under-Secretary General and UNEP Executive Director.
