Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-07 17:40:26
Prince Hussain Aga Khan held an inauguration event at the National Museums of Kenya on Tuesday evening to officially open his photography exhibition titled “Fragile Beauty.” The exhibition, which runs from February 6 to March 30, 2024, showcases the beauty and magic of marine life and aims to raise awareness of environmental issues and concerns in ocean ecologies.
The large-scale images on display at the exhibition reflect the biodiversity of marine life from around the world. They highlight the impact of pollution on waterways and emphasize the value and importance of preserving biodiversity. Organized by scientists and professional photographers, the international exhibition is intended to inspire appreciation for wildlife and ignite a desire to protect it.
The exhibition is a rare opportunity for Kenyans to engage with the “beauty, fragility, and diversity” of marine life. It is part of Prince Aga Khan’s work with Focused on Nature (FON), a non-profit organization he founded in 2009. FON’s mission is to support the conservation and protection of threatened and endangered species and habitats.
The collection of approximately 100 photographs of oceanic ecosystems in various parts of the world showcases the beauty, fragility, and diversity of marine life and highlights the need and urgency to protect, conserve, and manage our oceanic heritage and resources. Prince Aga Khan emphasized the importance of conservation, stating, “To make people aware of the beauty that exists under our seas and what we could lose forever if we do not protect and conserve our oceans.”
His team and he have been involved in marine photography for over 20 years, capturing the natural world in various parts of the world during their travels. Prince Aga Khan began photographing flora and fauna in 1996 on a trip to the Brazilian Amazon. He has exhibited his work in the USA, France, Switzerland, and Kenya, while also publishing two books, ‘Animal Voyage’ in 2004 and ‘Diving into Wildlife’ in 2015. Some of his photos have been featured on various National Geographic blogs.
Prince Aga Khan’s passion for marine life has drawn praise from President of the Aga Khan University, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, who stated, “The Living Sea has touched the hearts of all who have experienced its beauty. Through his remarkable photographs, Prince Aga Khan has ignited a passion for the natural world in all of us.”
The opening event at the National Museums of Kenya was attended by distinguished guests, including Cyrille-Lazare Siewe, the Programme Management Officer at the United Nations Environment Programme, and Dr. Azim Lakhani, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) diplomatic representative in Kenya. A donor reception hosted by Prince Aga Khan also featured a speech by President Shahabuddin, who acknowledged the importance of the exhibition in raising awareness about the beauty and fragility of marine life.
The exhibition resonated deeply with Prince Aga Khan, who expressed his delight at seeing the collection displayed in the Agha Khan Hall at the National Museums of Kenya. He also praised the conservation tour designed by partners and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share the wonders of the ocean with the public.
In conclusion, “Fragile Beauty,” the Living Sea photography exhibition, offers a unique glimpse into the beauty and diversity of marine life and serves as a powerful call to action in the conservation and preservation of the world’s oceans. Through his work as a photographer and conservationist, Prince Hussain Aga Khan has dedicated himself to promoting awareness and appreciation for the natural world, inspiring others to join him in protecting our planet’s marine ecosystems.
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