Ismaili.NET - Heritage F.I.E.L.D.

Nairobi, Kenya, 23 February 2024 - The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is partnering with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) and Focused on Nature (FON) – Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s conservation organisation – around the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), to take place at UNEP headquarters in Nairobi next week. The Assembly will focus on how multilateralism can help tackle the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.

A focal point of engagement is Prince Hussain’s exhibition of marine photography – "Fragile Beauty" – currently on display at the Nairobi National Museum and the Aga Khan University campus in Nairobi. The collection of numerous photographs from around the world sends a clear message: below the surface of our seas and oceans exists a beauty and magic that we could forever lose if we do not act to protect and conserve them.

UNEA-6 will convene from 26 February to 1 March to chart a plan of collective environmental action; while "Fragile Beauty" will continue to run until the end of March to raise awareness of environmental issues and concerns in ocean ecologies, and to inspire an appreciation for wildlife and ignite a desire to protect it.

AKDN has been operating in Kenya for over 100 years in the sectors of health care, education, social development, economic development, financial services, industry, infrastructure, culture, tourism, media, environment and property development. Over 175 initiatives and programmes help to improve the quality of life for over seven million Kenyans annually.

The Network is committed to protecting the environment and mitigating climate change, and this agenda cuts across all programmes and initiatives globally. It is reducing its greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Accord and aims to become net zero carbon by 2030.

"Fragile Beauty" is part of Prince Hussain's work with Focused on Nature, a non-profit organisation he founded in 2014. FON's mission is to support the conservation and protection of threatened and endangered species and habitats.