Photo exhibition highlights China-Kenya cooperation in biodiversity conservation-Xinhua

Guests visit the photo exhibition themed "Enchanted Encounters: From China's Yellow Sea Wetlands to African Savannas" in Nairobi, Kenya, on May 22, 2026. A photo exhibition was launched on Friday in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, highlighting the importance of strengthening China-Kenya cooperation in biodiversity conservation. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)

NAIROBI, May 22 (Xinhua) -- A photo exhibition was launched on Friday in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, highlighting the importance of strengthening China-Kenya cooperation in biodiversity conservation.

Timed to coincide with the International Day for Biological Diversity, observed annually on May 22, the exhibition runs under the theme "Enchanted Encounters: From China's Yellow Sea Wetlands to African Savannas."

The exhibition drew senior government officials, diplomats, industry leaders, scholars, and cultural enthusiasts, and features images showcasing China's rich natural heritage, including diverse wildlife, pristine forests, and coastal ecosystems.

Chen Weihong, vice mayor of Yancheng City in east China's Jiangsu Province and one of the organizers, said the exhibition aims to introduce Kenya and wider African audiences to China's emblematic species such as deer, red-crowned cranes, and the spoon-billed sandpiper.

"Through photographs as bridges and ecology as a medium, we add a warm footnote to China-Africa friendship, fostering cultural understanding and heart-to-heart connection," Chen said.

Simon Agunja, assistant director in the State Department for Wildlife under Kenya's Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, said the photo exhibition provides an innovative and impactful way of promoting conservation awareness through compelling visual storytelling.

"It beautifully highlights the priceless value of wildlife and the unique landscapes shared by our two countries," Agunja said, hailing robust Kenya-China cooperation in biodiversity conservation and management.

He called for deeper bilateral collaboration in research, innovation, and practical conservation efforts to address environmental challenges such as climate change, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.

Zhou Jun, deputy permanent representative of China to the United Nations Environment Program, said that biodiversity conservation has long been a cornerstone of China-Africa cooperation, delivering win-win outcomes.

"The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027) explicitly emphasizes strengthening exchanges in protecting wildlife, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable use," Zhou said.

He added that China will continue to strengthen cooperation with African countries in biodiversity conservation under the Belt and Road Initiative, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and other multilateral environmental agreements. ■

A guest takes photos at the photo exhibition themed "Enchanted Encounters: From China's Yellow Sea Wetlands to African Savannas" in Nairobi, Kenya, on May 22, 2026. A photo exhibition was launched on Friday in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, highlighting the importance of strengthening China-Kenya cooperation in biodiversity conservation. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)