Australia commemorates International Day of Biological Diversity
The Australian High Commission in Dhaka commemorated the International Day of Biological Diversity by hosting an environmental photography exhibition “Biodiversity in Focus” at the High Commissioner’s residence on 21 May. The exhibition was organised jointly by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), UNDP and the Government of Bangladesh.
All of the photos on display had been submitted to a competition, organised by Edwina Hollander, an Australian Youth Ambassador for Development, to raise awareness on national biodiversity. The 58 photograph exhibition portrayed the richness of Bangladesh ecosystems and the impacts of human interaction, including climate change.
Australian High Commissioner Dr. Justin Lee, congratulated the winners of the photography competition, remarking on the high quality of the images. He said, “Australia is a great supporter of UN and other international instruments and organisations that protect and sustain our environment and biodiversity.”
A second exhibition at the same event, included photographs of Bangladesh’s natural environment taken by Australians living in Bangladesh. Though not part of the competition, the pictures captured the vibrant Bangladeshi culture and people, and showed Australians’ enthusiasm for travelling in Bangladesh and appreciation of its natural beauty.
Dr Mihir Kanti Mazumder, Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, Country Representative IUCN, Bangladesh, Md Jafar Siddique, National Project Director, Coastal and Wetland Biodiversity Management Project, the Deputy Country Director for UNDP and a number of other distinguished guests, also attended.
Australian High Commission, Dhaka
21 May 2010
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