Showcasing treasures in oceans

As delegates from across the world converge in Nairobi for the ongoing blue economy conference which started on Monday, Prince Hussain Aga Khan is hosting a fine arts exhibition at the sidelines of the forum to promote environment conservation.

The exhibition depicts photos of marine and oceanic ecosystems from all over the globe.

The showcase titled Fragile Beauty is being held in partnership with the National Museums of Kenya. It seeks to display the treasure troves our oceans hold.

“The photographs we are exhibiting were all taken by Prince Hussain and through them, he seeks to underscore the importance of environmental conservation, making people aware of the beauty that exists under our seas and what we could forever lose if we do not protect and conserve our oceans,” said Dr Azim Lakhani, Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) Diplomatic Representative.

BEAUTY

The photographs portray the beauty, fragility and diversity of marine life and highlight the necessity and urgency to protect, conserve and manage ocean resources.

Dr Lakhani said the aim of the exhibition is to underline the message of conservation and protection of the seas and oceans, which is at the core of the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference.

“AKDN is proud to be part of the continuing Sustainable Blue Economy Conference, as conservation of the natural environment, protection of natural resources and empowering local communities through the preservation of culture and heritage are part of the network’s ethical framework mandate,” said Dr Lakhani.

Affirming that AKDN acknowledges Kenya’s commitment to the protection and conservation of marine life and waters, Dr Lakhani said healthy reefs and beaches are essential for securing income streams from fishing, tourism and clean transportation.

MARINE FAUNA

The photographs will also be showcased at Khoja Mosque and the National Museums in Nairobi and other locations in Mombasa and Tanzania.

Around 300 million tonnes of plastic is produced per year, with more than eight million tonnes being dumped into the oceans, which results in deaths of large numbers of marine fauna.

At least 267 ocean-dwelling species are affected by the scourge.

Kenya — whose reef and marine habitats are world-renowned and is among the pioneer countries to ban plastics — earns about Sh410 billion a year from the ocean.

“We intend to confront head-on, the challenges posed by plastics, micro-plastics and pollution that affects our oceans ensuring we diminish the stress these elements have on our waters,” said President Uhuru Kenyatta at the conference.