World-renowned wildlife photography exhibition opens in Honiara
The British High Commission in Honiara in partnership with the National Art Gallery launched the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition in Honiara.
High Commissioner Paul Turner (left), VSA New Zealand Nick Dixon (middle) and Bunyan Sivoro Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism at the exhibition.
The world-renowned exhibition is on loan from the Natural History Museum, London and opens at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery this month. The exhibition will display some of the world’s finest nature photographs.
On Wednesday 5 August, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Bunyan Sivoro, and British High Commissioner Paul Turner, along with other diplomats, got a preview of the exhibition. It includes some of the world’s leading nature photographs from across the globe. Local schools and youth groups will be visiting the exhibition in the coming days.
The exhibition shines a light on powerful and fascinating images that capture hidden animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breath-taking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique power to engage and inspire audiences, the images share stories and species from around the world, encouraging a future advocacy for the planet.
At the pre-launch event, British High Commissioner, Paul Turner underlined not only the prestigious nature of the exhibition but also how important it was in highlighting the environmental challenges we face today.
He said each photograph contained a story, showing the link between wildlife and habitat and man. Turner said that the exhibition conveyed a message of beauty but also fragility with a clear message about the need to safeguard our planet’s biodiversity.
Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Bunyan Sivoro, thanked the British High Commission for arranging the exhibition to come to Honiara. He said it was encouraging that so many local schools would be visiting the exhibition as this will engage young people in preserving their local environment.
Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum in London said:
We are thrilled to continue Wildlife Photographer of the Year as a powerful platform for visual storytelling, showing the diversity, beauty and complexity of the natural world and humanity’s relationship to it. This year’s exhibition will be our best combination of great artistry and ground-breaking science yet, helping visitors to become inspired to be advocates for our planet.
The exhibition will be at the National Art Gallery throughout August.
Further information
About Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most famous photography event of its kind. It is the Natural History Museum, London’s global platform for the world’s best nature photography and wildlife photojournalism. Launched in 1965, the competition today receives entries from all over the world, highlighting its enduring appeal. Last year’s award-winning images have embarked on an international tour that allowed them to be seen by well over a million people.
The competition attracted more than 60,000 entries from photographers of all ages this year. A selection of these images is on display in the exhibition in Honiara.
About the Natural History Museum, London
The Natural History Museum, London, is a world-leading science centre and one of the most visited attractions in the UK. Their vision is to build a future in which both people and the planet thrive. They aim to be a catalyst for change, engaging advocates for the planet in everything that they do. Their 350 scientists are finding solutions to the planetary emergency in all aspects of life.