International Photographers Nigel Barker and Luo Hong Commemorate World Environment Day Through United Nations Photo Exhibit
In recognition of World Environment Day 2009, international photographers Nigel Barker, of "America's Next Top Model" and Luo Hong, founder of the Luo Hong Foundation in China, will partner in a photographic exhibition at United Nations Headquarters in New York. Hosted by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the exhibit, titled "Shared Destiny: Wildlife from Africa to the Arctic," will open at a ceremony on Thursday, June 4, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Northeast Gallery of the UN's Visitors' Lobby.
New York (PRWEB) May 27, 2009 -- In recognition of World Environment Day 2009, international photographers Nigel Barker, of "America's Next Top Model" and Luo Hong, founder of the Luo Hong Foundation in China, will partner in a photographic exhibition at United Nations Headquarters in New York. Hosted by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the exhibit, titled "Shared Destiny: Wildlife from Africa to the Arctic," will open at a ceremony on Thursday, June 4, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Northeast Gallery of the UN's Visitors' Lobby.
"Shared Destiny: Wildlife from Africa to the Arctic" showcases work by both photographers that simultaneously celebrates earth's animals and addresses human practices that affect global biodiversity. Through the exhibit, UNEP, Barker and Luo hope to raise awareness of the public about human acts happening all over the world that harm the delicate environmental balance and sustainability, such as over-exploitation of nature, irresponsible dumping, and unsustainable hunting.
Through his work with The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Barker joined The HSUS' ProtectSeals campaign in 2008 to capture both the beautiful birth and cruel hunt of baby seals. In his personal environmental pursuits, Luo has long devoted himself to natural landscape and wild animal photography. He has been to Eastern and Southern Africa 21 times in the last 10 years as well as to the Arctic and Antarctica to photograph animals in the wild.
"We live in a beautiful world that is often sadly treated with contempt. I believe we owe it to ourselves and to the next generation to do all we can to protect, preserve and respect our planet. No one nation, state nor individual should have the right to brutalize the fauna or exploit the flora. Of course, most countries are guilty of such indiscretions but as individuals we have the power to stand up and do the right thing," Barker says.
"Having spent the last ten years of my life trekking through the paths of nature, while I continue to feel deeply touched by her beauty and ingenuity, I also find myself constantly in shock, witnessing the human exploitation of her beauty. I hope this exhibition can serve as an inspiration and an awakening call for the kindness in our hearts," Luo says.
In line with the 2009 World Environment Day theme of "Your Planet Needs You", Barker and Luo'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.
The exhibit runs from Friday, June 5th through Sunday, July 12th from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. each day in the Visitors' Lobby at United Nations Headquarters, located on 1st Ave. between 45th St. and 46th St. Admission is free.
Press Contacts:
Diana Terry Ali Azios
312.375.2493 212.366.4140 ex. 205
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading authority on the environment within the UN system. It acts as a catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote the wise use and sustainable development of the global environment. Its work involves a wide range of partners, including national Governments, UN entities, international and non-governmental organizations, the private sector and civil society.
World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5 June, is one of the principal vehicles through which the UN stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. For more information, see www.unep.org/wed.
British-born Nigel Barker is a world-renowned photographer, regarded for his work as photographer and judge on the hit television show "America's Next Top Model." Currently filming its thirteenth cycle which airs in September 2009, the show is syndicated in more than 125 countries with a weekly global audience of over 100 million people. Barker is also the creator of the TV show, 'The Shot' on VH1. He directs and produces films, documentaries and commercials for fashion-entertainment and Hollywood clients as well as international, charitable organizations.
The Luo Hong Environment Foundation was established in 2006 to raise environmental awareness and promote action at all levels of society. The Foundation's activities include contributing to environmental projects for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games; sponsoring UNEP's Children's Painting Competitions in China; and supporting a global programme to reward young leaders for environmental protection.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization - backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at http://www.humanesociety.org.
# # #
Post Comment:
Trackback URL: http://www.prweb.com/pingpr.php/SW5zZS1Qcm9mLU1hZ24tTG92ZS1IYWxmLUNvdXAtWmVybw==
Bookmark -
Del.icio.us |
Furl It |
Technorati |
Ask |
MyWeb |
Propeller |
Live Bookmarks |
Newsvine |
TailRank |
Reddit |
Slashdot |
Digg |
Stumbleupon |
Google Bookmarks |
Sphere |
Blink It |
Spurl
|
