PRINCE HUSSAIN AGAKHAN

Activities of the Imam and the Noorani family.
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PRINCE HUSSAIN AGAKHAN

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Sideline: Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s “Animal Voyage” Embraces the Living World

“I encourage everyone to travel and visit the forest, for they are amazing…there will be fewer and fewer in the future. That’s what I say to myself when I take every photograph….In my photographs, I let the animals and trees speak for themselves and hope other people will see the beauty I see.”

Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s interest in photography was evident in the video clippings that were shown of his visit to Edmonton, Alberta, where his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan, received an Honorary Degree from the University of Alberta on June 9th, 2009. The Prince carries a camera wherever he goes and will seize opportune moments for using it.

Prince Hussain Aga Khan's "Animal Voyage" , published in 2008. Images in this volume "resemble the beginnings of the dreams one has when travelling." Copyright. Hussain Aga Khan

In 2008, he produced “Animal Voyage”, a 128 page volume containing a collection of some of the many thousands of photographs that he has taken between 1996 and 2007. An earlier edition of the book was published in 2004 (Note: The 2008 editon will be sold though this website in the near future, details week of June 22, 2009).


Tanzania, 2006. Photo © Hussain Aga Khan.


Tanzania, 2006. Photo © Hussain Aga Khan


Prince Hussain’s interest in photography took off from his trip to the Brazilian Amazon in 1996. While he has taken thousands of photos of ecological subjects, wildlife remains his most significant passion, and photography his main hobby.



© Hussain Aga Khan



Broadway and West 101 St. after the snowstorm, New York. © Hussain Aga Khan


In 2004, the Prince showed a collection of some 60 of his photographs in an exhibit called “An Exhibit on Deforestation “, at the Luchsinger Gallery in Greenwich, Connecticut. The exhibition contained photographs of ecological subjects from his excursions to rainforests and reefs near Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Venezuela, Egypt, Madagascar, the Maldives, Indonesia and Malaysia.


© Hussain Aga Khan, 2004 edition



Tanzania, 2006. Photo © Hussain Aga Khan


His goal was to inspire each visitor to appreciate the unique and fragile beauty in a world of coral reefs and rainforests. When he spoke to students from the Greenwich Academy and Brunswick at a joint Upper School Assembly, Prince Hussain said:

“In my photographs, I let the animals and trees speak for themselves and hope other people will see the beauty I see. I encourage everyone to travel and to visit the forests, for they are amazing. The sooner you visit, the more likely you are to see a broad variety of different plants and animals. There will be fewer and fewer in the future. That’s what I say to myself when I take every photograph.”


Gigantic Tree, Taman Negara, Malaysia. © Hussain Aga Khan


© Hussain Aga Khan



Landscape, Tanzania. © Hussain Aga Khan


About his interest in photography, the Prince notes:

“I love photographing animals most of all, though I take many landscapes and, occasionally, cities and people….I’m privileged to have seen what I’ve been able to see….sunsets, waterfalls, crocodiles, monkeys, elephants, and lizards….to be there at the precise moment an animal climbs a tree or dives into the water. The first flap of the wings as a bird takes flight.”


Chickens in a paddy, Northern Vietnam. © Hussain Aga Khan


Wet Landscape, Chau Doc, Vietnam © Hussain Aga Khan


For Prince Hussain, each photograph that he takes is an appeal to the tendeness of the wilderness that guides his sensitivity, his desire to be one with nature. The animals, whom he loves so much to photograph, return his gaze as if they know they are watching his love for their world.


Brothers, Southern Vietnam. © Hussain Aga Khan



© Hussain Aga Khan



Koi Carp in the Hotel Restaurant Pond, Big Island, Hawaii. © Hussain Aga Khan



______________________________


*Please click each image for enlargement

Acknowledgement: The photos have been made available for publication with the kind courtesy of the publisher, Editions d L’Ceil, France. All images are copyright.

A Note to Our Readers:

Animal Voyage, 2008 edition, by Prince Hussain Aga Khan will be available for purchase directly from Simerg. Please visit this page again week of June 22, 2009 for further details.

In this superb collection, the images resemble the beginnings of the dreams one has when travelling: flying over continents, diving through gaps in the light, nestling against fur or scales, being swallowed up by a gigantic waterfall, reborn as a flower, as a fire, as a girl sleeping beside an ancient pool, as a pelican, as a kitten with the face of a sulky little boy.

http://simerg.com/sidelines/sideline-pr ... ing-world/
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Focused on Nature

Photographs by Hussain Aga Khan

"In my photographs, I let the animals and trees speak for themselves
and hope other people see what I see." - Hussain Aga Khan

An avid photographer and environmentalist since he was twelve years old, Hussain Aga Khan is working to share his concern and passion for the environment. His images of nature portray the urgent need for more research and actionable initiatives on global issues of biodiversity, deforestation, global warming, pollution and eco-tourism.

Focused on Nature

Friday, July 3rd to August 8th, 2009

at

The F.U.E.L Collection

249 Arch Street Philadelphia PA 19106

Special thanks to:

Robert Morrison, Antonin Potoski, Patrick Codomier, Nazir Sunderji

The University of the Arts

The Fels Community Center

After School Activities Partnership - ASAP

http://focusedonnature.org/index.php
Last edited by kmaherali on Wed Nov 11, 2015 1:48 am, edited 1 time in total.
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And on the Last Day, Plant a Tree: Photography Exhibition by Prince Hussain Aga Khan

September 25, 2009 : 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Event Details

September 25 to October 23, 2009

The photography exhibition introduces visitors to the activities of the Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan Fund for the Environment, the environmental program of the Aga Khan Development Network. Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s photographs bring to audiences vibrant, lively images of nature and animals, drawing focus to the subject rather than the picture’s angle or style. His photographs portray the urgent need for environmental stewardship, challenging viewers to pursue global initiatives on biodiversity, deforestation, global warming, pollution and eco-tourism.

The title of the exhibition, "And on the Last Day Plant a Tree," is inspired by a passage from the Hadiths, or traditions, in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “When the last day comes, if someone has a palm shoot in his hand, he should plant it.” Environmental stewardship has been an inherent belief in Muslim societies for centuries, and Prince Hussain’s exhibit shares this consciousness with audiences.

An avid photographer and environmentalist, Prince Hussain is committed to sharing his concern for protecting the environment. At an early age, Prince Hussain Aga Khan was inspired by the conservation work that his uncle, Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, pursued during his lifetime through the Bellerive Foundation. Today, his uncle’s legacy lives on in the work of the Aga Khan Fund for the Environment and the convictions fueling Prince Hussain’s photography.

Photographs will be available for purchase at the exhibit. Proceeds from exhibition sales are donated to the Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan Fund for the Environment. With projects primarily in poor areas of Asia and Africa, the Fund works to protect fragile ecosystems while addressing broad development issues, assisting communities to use natural resources in a sustainable, responsible manner.

To accomplish these complex goals, the Fund works in concert with other agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network, such as the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance, the Aga Khan Education Services, the Aga Khan Health Services, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and the Tourism Promotion Services of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development.

The Fund’s activities highlight the connections between poverty and the penury of natural resources. For example, land reclamation in despoiled or arid areas in Africa and Asia is a part of programs to raise incomes and manage natural resources. The creation of the 30-hectare Azhar Park on a former rubble dump in the heart of Historic Cairo is also a catalyst for social and urban revitalization in the neighboring Darb al-Ahmar district. All of the Fund’s projects address existing or emerging issues in the developing world with environmentally friendly solutions.

http://www.wilsoncenter.org/index.cfm?f ... ayout=true
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Prince Hussein a speaker at the third annual Governors' Global Climate summit at the University of California

Excerpt:
"Among the many speakers and participants at the Governors’ Global Climate are: British Prime Minister David Cameron; the Prince of Wales; Nobel laureate and climate change expert Rajendra Pachauri, who heads the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; actor Harrison Ford; author and physician Deepak Chopra; Prince Hussein Aga Khan; Chair Nancy Sutley, White House Council on Environmental Quality; and former U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz, who served in the Reagan administration."

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/nov2010 ... sf742229=1
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Prince Hussain Signs Charter of Climate Action at Governors' Global Climate Summit 3

http://www.akdn.org/Content/1029/Prince ... e-Summit-3
Please also see: Video and 2011 AKDN Calendar

Prince Hussain Aga Khan signed the Charter for Regions of Climate Action (R20 Charter) on behalf of the Aga Khan Development Network at the Governors' Global Climate Summit 3, held at the University of California at Davis on November 16, 2010.Prince Hussain Aga Khan signed the Charter for Regions of Climate Action (R20 Charter) on behalf of the Aga Khan Development Network at the Governors' Global Climate Summit 3, held at the University of California at Davis on November 16, 2010.
Photo: AKDN / Farhez RayaniDavis, California, November 17, 2010 - The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has joined regional, state and provincial leaders and representatives of non-governmental organizations in a new sub-national effort to break the current climate negotiation impasse.

Prince Hussain Aga Khan, son of His Highness the Aga Khan, signed the Charter for Regions of Climate Action (R20 Charter) yesterday, on behalf of the Aga Khan Development Network. The mission of the R20 – a new global organization – will be to develop and implement low-carbon and climate resilient projects through cooperation among subnational governments, corporations, non-governmental organizations and educational institutions from around the world.

The signing took place at the Governors’ Global Climate Summit 3, held at the University of California at Davis. 1,500 participants from more than 80 states, provinces and countries, including key representatives from the AKDN attended the event. The Summit is one of the largest gatherings of regional leaders from around the world focused on climate solutions. In partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and United Nations Environment Programme and co-sponsored by UC Davis, the Summit was co-hosted by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, Washington Governor Chris Gregoire, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle and Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski. Distinguished speakers included George P. Schultz, former US Secretary of State; Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri, Nobel laureate, climate change expert and Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; Deepak Chopra, author and physician; British Prime Minister David Cameron via satellite; and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales via video message.

During its first year, the R20 will facilitate public-private partnerships, share best practices, accelerate the development of green innovations, and begin implementing clean energy demonstration projects. Within five years, the R20 aims to have at least 20 subnational governments enact comprehensive low-carbon policies and implement projects, using successful models from progressive subnational leaders as a guide.

Through these efforts, the R20 will expand the global green economy, create new green jobs and build commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Demonstration projects will further show that 75 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions reductions, needed by 2020 to limit the increase in world average temperature to 2°C, can be achieved at no net cost and that many projects will generate new economic benefits.

Prince Hussain Aga Khan with leaders of states, provinces, NGOs, corporations and educational institutions at the signing of the R20 Charter. Prince Hussain Aga Khan with leaders of states, provinces, NGOs, corporations and educational institutions at the signing of the R20 Charter.
Photo: AKDN / Farhez RayaniAKDN is a major sponsor of the Governors’ Global Climate Summit 3 and also sponsored the two previous Summits. This year’s summit continued to expand the network of subnational collaboration to share policies and strategies on how to grow the green economy, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, create green jobs, promote clean energy solutions and curb greenhouse gas pollution.

David Boyer, Senior Director of the Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan Fund for the Environment addressed the plenary stating “Poor and marginalized communities are on the front lines of climate change. … But any attempt to address climate resilience must take into account a complete picture of how local communities live in their environments. … His Highness the Aga Khan has a vision for holistic multi-input area development. This approach brings together the economic, environmental, social and cultural agencies of the Network not only to create jobs and improve opportunities for people in impoverished regions, but to strengthen the communities' resilience to climate change.” A film screened at the plenary, entitled “AKDN: Building Resilient Communities,” illustrated AKDN's ongoing work to strengthen community resilience in a variety of sectors, including community-managed hydro electric power, energy-efficient household products in Pakistan and green spaces in Cairo, Egypt and Bamako, Mali.

AKDN has been working on an integrated approach to sustainable development for over four decades, to raise incomes, promote quality education and healthcare, improve the quality of life and expand opportunities for individuals and communities in Africa and Asia. The rationale for integrating environmental and ecological concerns into development activities arises from AKDN’s experience which demonstrates that economic, social and cultural factors all affect environmental issues. Solutions to environmental problems cannot be implemented in isolation from the problems of human habitats. All of the environment-related activities undertaken by the AKDN are therefore integrated into other development activities such as healthcare, education, cultural revitalization and economic development.

Partnerships formed at the Summit will help expand opportunities among states and provinces that complement existing efforts to further explore specific mitigation and adaption strategies. For more information visit the GGCS3 website.

Notes:
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) (www.akdn.org) was founded by His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th Hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismaili Muslims. It is a group of private, non-denominational development agencies working to empower communities and individuals to improve living conditions and opportunities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. The Network’s nine development agencies focus on social, cultural and economic development for all citizens, regardless of gender, origin or religion. The AKDN’s underlying ethic is compassion for the vulnerable in society. Its annual budget for philanthropic activity is in excess of US$500 million.

The AKDN’s Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan Fund for the Environment is dedicated to practical solutions to environmental problems. Its major programs focus on the link between the scarcity of natural resources and poverty in the developing world; the preservation of fragile mountain ecosystems; animal protection; and initiatives in environmental education. The Fund will concentrate its activities in six main areas: environmental education; natural resource management in fragile zones; nature parks and wildlife reserves; environmentally and culturally appropriate tourism infrastructure; environmental health; and research.

For more information, contact:
Martha Sipple
Communications and Public Affairs Officer
Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A.
1825 K Street, NW #901
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (202) 203-0838
E-mail: [email protected]
www.akdn.org

Shaiza Damji
Communications Coordinator
Aga Khan Council for USA
Phone: (206) 910-9601
E-mail: [email protected]
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Prince Hussain Aga Khan to pay visit to Tajikistan soon

DUSHANBE, May 28, 2011, Asia-Plus -- Prince Hussain Aga Khan, second son of His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Isamili Muslims, will pay a visit to Tajikistan from June 2 to June 5, according to the Tajik MFA information department.

Prince Hussain, 37, attended Deerfield Academy and subsequently Williams College (USA), from which he graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Since then, Prince Hussain has been based in France and working with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. Following completion of a Master of International Affairs degree from Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) where his main area of study was Economic and Political Development wit a regional focus on the Middle East and North Africa, Prince Hussain assumed additional responsibility at the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) for conceptualization of programs on environmental issues.

http://news.tj/en/news/prince-hussain-a ... um=twitter
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Speech by Prince Hussain Aga Khan at the Launch of Lions Clubs International-AKDN Tree Planting Initiative in Nairobi City Park

19 October 2011


Please also see: Press Release, Photographs

Deforestation is one of the great challenges of our times. Scientists estimate about half of all the forests that once covered the Earth are gone. The United Nations Environment Programme tells us that 13 million hectares of forest are destroyed around the globe every year. At that rate a forest the size of Kenya would be cut in less than six years. A forest the size of Uganda – three…

This year is the UN International Year of Forests. It should remind us of the importance of forests in our lives.

More...

http://www.akdn.org/Content/1085/Speech ... robi-Kenya
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Prince Hussain co-honoured at the banquet hosted by Lions Club of Kenya

.

Kenya calls for more efforts on
environmental rehabilitation

Lions Club of Kenya HOST banquet in honor of
Dr. Wing-Kun Tam, International President of
the Lions Clubs and Prince Hussein Aga Khan
.

NAIROBI (Xinhua) -- Kenyan Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has called for concerted efforts in environmental rehabilitation and conservation to mitigate against global warming and adverse effects of climate change.

Musyoka also emphasized the need to intensify research aimed at ensuring the right tree species are planted in their suitable ecosystem and climatic zones.

"Kenya has one of the greatest rates of deforestation in Africa, with severe effects being felt in recent years.

Visit Mt. Kenya one of the country’s water towers and you won’t believe it," he noted on Wednesday evening in Nairobi, during celebration banquet hosted by the Lions Club of Kenya in honor of Dr. Wing-Kun Tam, International President of the Lions Clubs and Prince Hussein Aga Khan who are visiting Kenya.

Musyoka commended the Lions Club international and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) for signing MOU committing the two organizations to plant 1.5 million trees in Kenya by June 2012.

He said the initiative is a step towards the right direction advocated by the late Nobel Laureate and environmentalist, Professor Wangari Maathai, through the contribution she made in addressing environmental degradation and poverty.

"The work of Green Belt Movement and of this great icon whose demise should embolden each one of us to continue with her good work and intent," VP added.

Musyoka noted that besides rehabilitation of the environment, planting of trees, he said, would provide livelihood option for many Kenyans, particularly in rural areas.

The Vice President added that trees enrich soil and conserve water besides providing Kenyans with income, food and medicines.

Musyoka said the government is committed to setting up reforestation programs through the Kenya Forests Service, adding that the Aga Khan Foundation and the Lions Clubs could assist in mapping of tree species for Kenya’s diverse climatic zones.

The VP also expressed government’s appreciation for the services rendered by the two organizations in environmental conservation, healthcare, disaster management, humanitarian assistance and education.

The Vice President said the work of the two organizations have served in empowering communities to attain quality living standards thus making a difference to millions of people.

"The government recognizes the importance of AKDN and Lions and their tremendous contribution to overall development in the country," Musyoka said.

Dr. Tam assured that Lions club International will continue to work closely with Governments and other Non-governmental agencies in social development spheres and ensure improved living standards in the society.

The Lions President said the organization attaches great importance to environmental conservation and it targets to plant about 3.5 million trees worldwide in the next four months.

Prince Aga Khan said over one million people benefit directly and indirectly with the work undertaken by the AKDN in the country.

He expressed confidence that partnership between Lion Clubs and AKDN will continue to be strengthening to benefit even more people particularly the less fortunate in the society.

http://www.coastweek.com/3442_trees.htm
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Prince Hussain speaks at the signing ceremony

Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9lu7sZNJ_I&hd=1
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In Taikistan - 2nd July 2012 for a 3 days visit.

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http://news.tj/en/news/prince-hussain-a ... tajikistan

Asia Plus

Prince Hussain Aga Khan visits Tajikistan


DUSHANBE, July 2, 2012, Asia-Plus -- Prince Hussain Aga Khan, son of His Highness the Aga Khan, is scheduled to arrive in Dushanbe today, press release issued by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Tajikistan said.

During his three-day visit, Prince Hussain will review the progress of current and planned activities of the Aga Khan Development Network in the country.

Prince Hussain is involved in projects and initiatives related to culture and the environment.

Founded and guided by His Highness the Aga Khan, the Aga Khan Development Network brings together a number of development agencies, institutions, and programs that work to empower communities and individuals to improve living conditions and opportunities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. The Network’s nine development agencies focus on social, cultural and economic development for all citizens, regardless of gender, origin or religion. AKDN’s underlying ethic is compassion for the vulnerable in society.

AKDN agencies work in Tajikistan in a range of areas—from economic development to education, rural development to cultural revitalization, health care to financial services. Operating in the country since 1992, AKDN draws on a strong base of experience in working with mountain societies. The Network is present in all regions of Tajikistan and employs approximately 3,500 people through its operations and investments, including the PamirEnergy company, Tcell Telecommunications, and the First MicroFinanceBank.
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Prince Hussain Aga Khan diving into the wildlife

Prince Hussain Aga Khan is a professional underwater photographer, author, and founder of Focused on Nature Association, through which the distribution and sale of his photos contributes to the financing of organizations active in the protection of fragile ecosystems and endangered species. On Saturday, November 7, 2015 Prince Hussain Aga Khan was at BLUE to sign copies of his latest book Diving into the Wildlife, a collection of the underwater world with photographs of the Maldives, Vava’u (tonga), Malaysia, Bahamas, Mexico and Staya (Egypt).

http://monacoreporter.com/2015/11/12/oc ... he-damage/
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Prince Hussein at Kirawira Lodge in Serengeti Park, Tanzania

Scroll down for photos!

24 to 29th December 2015

Video of Prince Hussain at Kirawira Lodge here:

http://ismaili.net/timeline/2015/hussain.mp4

Also a nice pic of the occasion [more tomorrow]:


Image

This and more videos on our FB page: FB.com/IsmailiHeritage
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Prince Hussain aga Khan 24 - 29 December 2015 Tanzania

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More photos

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Simerg Collection: Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s “Diving Into Wildlife” – A Rare Opportunity for Readers to Acquire Signed Copies of the Book

simerg.com/2016/03/28/simerg-collection-prince-hussain-aga-khans-diving-into-wildlife-a-rare-opportunity-for-readers-to-acquire-signed-copies-of-the-book/

“From the first Costeau film I saw and the fish I started keeping at the age of five, the first octopus and cuttlefish that squirted ink at me….I knew I couldn’t, wouldn’t stop exploring the sea” — Prince Hussain Aga Khan, from foreword to the book Diving Into Wildlife.

“The work of Hussain Aga Khan is visual poetry created in the sea that seduces the viewer to discover her mysteries and leads people to care. And when people care, change becomes possible” — Brian Skerry
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VIDEO - Prince Hussein

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=you ... jGHRalZEXU


Hussain Aga Khan livre son regard sur les espèces menacées à la Galerie des Pêcheurs
MonacoInfo

Published on Jun 17, 2016

Le prince Hussain Aga Khan expose dans la Galerie des Pêcheurs une série de photos consacrées aux animaux en voie de disparition. Le photographe souhaite ainsi sensibiliser le grand public sur la menace qui pèse sur de nombreuses espèces à l’instar des rhinocéros, requins, guépards et autres espèces. Le fondateur de l’association « Focused on nature » prendra dans les prochaines semaines la direction des îles Tonga afin de photographier des baleines à bosse.
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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.

More...
https://www.nation.co.ke/news/Showcasin ... index.html
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2018-12-17: BREAKING NEWS: Prince Hussain Aga Khan got engaged to Miss Elizabeth Hoag who adopted the name Fareen upon embracing Islam. They are expected to get married next year in Spring 2019.

Talika dated 17 Dec 2019 will be read tomorrow in JK all over the world.

https://www.facebook.com/IsmailiHeritag ... =3&theater
Last edited by Admin on Thu Dec 27, 2018 12:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Mawlana Hazar Imam announces the engagement of Prince Hussain

Mawlana Hazar Imam today announced the engagement of his second son, Prince Hussain, to Miss Elizabeth Hoag of Salisbury, Connecticut, United States.

“Prince Hussain's engagement to Elizabeth has brought great joy to my family and to me,” Hazar Imam said in an announcement made to the global Jamat. “I am sure that my Jamat will share with me in this most happy news, as I rejoice myself.”

Prince Hussain was born on 10 April 1974, in Geneva, Switzerland. He received his secondary education at Deerfield Academy, Massachusetts, USA, and graduated from Williams College, Massachusetts, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 2004, he received a Master of International Affairs degree from Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs. At Columbia, Prince Hussain’s main area of study was Economic and Political Development with a regional focus on the Middle East and North Africa.

Prince Hussain has since worked with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), concentrating on cultural and environmental issues as well as Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Management by The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat. He is also founder of Focused On Nature, an organisation dedicated to the conservation and protection of threatened and endangered species, as well as habitat conservation efforts.

Elizabeth Hoag, who has adopted the name Fareen upon embracing Islam, holds a Master's degree in Mental Health Counselling, and has worked in private practice, specialising in issues of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Social Anxiety.

The couple are expected to marry in the spring of 2019 in a Muslim ceremony.

https://the.ismaili/news/mawlana-hazar- ... ce-hussain
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Fragile Beauty’ exhibition depicts diversity of marine life- PHOTOS

By BRIAN OKINDA
More by this Author
In Summary

The work is inspired by the desire to educate local audiences on the need to protect marine life.

Oceans and sea beds are probably the most artistic settings one would imagine.


‘Fragile Beauty’, a photo exhibition at Khoja Mosque, Nairobi, offers a rare opportunity for Kenyans to engage with the "beauty, fragility and diversity" of marine life.

The photography is by Prince Hussain Aga Khan, with the choice of works inspired by the desire to educate local audiences on the need to protect marine life.

He essentially desires that these sceneries be kept pristine and their ecosystems preserved.

MARAUDING SHARK

A photo of a marauding shark prowling the depths of the sea with a few smaller fish swimming just next to the shark’s slightly open jaws, dominate the scene in the huge portrait on one end of the gallery.

A man viewing the photographs at the ‘Fragile Beauty’ fine arts exhibition at Khoja Mosque in Nairobi on January 30,2019. PHOTO| EVANS HABIL

A man viewing the photographs at the ‘Fragile Beauty’ fine arts exhibition at Khoja Mosque in Nairobi on January 30,2019. PHOTO| EVANS HABIL

Some photographs show scenes of intriguing seabed ecosystems, vibrantly coloured microscopic sea creatures, and colonies of colourful coral polyps, all naturally cultivated over many years.

FISH SHOALING


Then there are depictions of fish shoaling. Schools of brightly coloured fish, ranging from Bluestripe snappers, herrings, surgeonfish, and tuna to anchovies and many others, all in their natural environments.

Oceans and sea beds are probably the most artistic settings one would imagine, and hence the exhibition which is also quite enlightening.

The ocean and seabed ecosystems hold a vast trove of artistic treasures which, if well harnessed and used, would be an economy booster in their own sense, while still yet, telling stories of their own.

“Prince Hussain seeks to underscore the importance of environmental conservation, make 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,” says Dr Azim Lakhani, Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) Diplomatic Representative.

MESSAGE OF PROTECTION

According to him, the essence of the art exhibitions, which will also be held in Mombasa as well as Tanzania in the coming days, is to accentuate the message of protection of the seas and oceans.

Kenya’s coral reef and marine habitats are world renowned and the country earns up to $4 billion (Sh404.11 billion) annually from the ocean, highlighting the importance of their conservation.

According to Prince Hussain, nature, or at least the animals he photographs, can hardly fight back when their ecosystems are contaminated, and neither can poor communities inhabiting the area. However, both these entities will eventually pay the price for our mistake of not protecting and conserving the oceans.

The exhibition began on January 30 and runs until February 28.
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Prince Hussain Aga Khan and Princess Fareen are in Nairobi this week, from 10th to 14th February 2019.

More will follow
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2019-02-14 Busy day for Prince Hussain Aga Khan who arrived in Kenya Sunday for a 5 days visit to Kenya with Princess Fareen. Prince Hussain visited the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi in the morning from 9:30am to 12:30. He went then to Town Jamatkhana at 2:30pm. Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko is giving this afternoon an address. The Town JK is hosting the Art Exhibition on Conservancy of Ocean Life featuring photography by Prince Hussain. Princess Fareen left Nairobi this Thursday. Prince Hussain has meetings at Kilanguni Serena this Friday and is leaving Saturday early morning.
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Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s “Fragile Beauty” exhibition illustrates the fragility of underwater resources

Nairobi, Kenya, 19 February 2019 - Prince Hussain Aga Khan, officially inaugurated his exhibition of marine photography last week at the historic Khoja Mosque in Nairobi.

The collection of some 100 photographs of oceanic ecosystems in various parts of the world depicts the beauty, fragility and diversity of marine life and brings to attention the necessity and urgency to protect, conserve and manage our oceanic heritage and resources.

Prince Hussain Aga Khan, the second son of His Highness the Aga Khan, accompanied Chief Guest Mr. Keriako Tobiko, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forestry for a special viewing of the exhibition.

In his remarks, Cabinet Secretary Keriako noted that Kenya has 500 kilometres of coastline that is vital to the country’s ecosystem. “Marine ecosystems are an important life-support system for our country as they contribute to tourism, community livelihoods, fishing, and transport, which help to sustain our economy.” He underscored the many initiatives the Kenyan government has undertaken to support healthy marine ecosystems and emphasised the need for each of us “to go to the most humanly possible depths in our conservation efforts...so that future generations can witness the images in the (Fragile Beauty) photographs firsthand.” He further commended Prince Hussain for “a true display of exceptional passion for marine ecosystems” and for using photography to inform and educate audiences about the diversity that exists in our seas and oceans. He applauded the work of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in the sectors of health, education and conservation, and made special mention of its support to Kenya’s commitment to 10% tree cover by 2022, by planting more than 10 million trees since 2014.

More...

https://www.akdn.org/press-release/prin ... underwater

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Gallery:

https://www.akdn.org/gallery/prince-hus ... underwater

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Prince Hussain’s photo exhibition illustrates the fragile beauty of marine life

https://the.ismaili/news/prince-hussain ... arine-life
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THE LIVING SEA

Exhibition of photos of Hussain Aga Khan


Photo: Hussain Aga Khan | Courtesy: FON
Photo: Hussain Aga Khan | Courtesy: FON

When:
September 27, 2019 to December 29, 2019
At where:
National Museum of Natural History and Science

"In my photographs, I let the animals and the trees speak for themselves in the hope that other people will see the beauty I see."
Hussain Aga Khan

The exhibition The Living Sea starts from the extraordinary photographs of Hussain Aga Khan to sensitize us to the sublime beauty, complexity and fragility of ocean life. The exhibition, which takes place in two rooms of the Museum, is complemented by multiple educational and scientific activities aimed at various audiences in order to stimulate a broad debate on scientific, environmental and social issues of global contemporary impact, such as the role of the oceans in sustainability of life on Earth, the climate crisis, the conservation of nature and the extinction of species, among others.
Special activities for school groups and families.

Organization: MUHNAC and Focused on Nature (FON)
Photographer: Hussain Aga Khan
Commissioners:Xenia Geroulanos, Philippe Mendes, Jorge Prudêncio, Marta Costa
Education and Cultural Program: António José Monteiro, Raquel Barata

About Hussain Aga Khan
Hussain Aga Khan was born in Geneva, Switzerland. He completed secondary education at Deerfield Academy, Massachusetts, having a dual degree in Theater and French Literature from Williams College. He holds a Master's in International Relations from Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs.
Hussain is an avid enthusiast of tropical fish since the age of 5 and by reptiles and amphibians since the age of 14. At age 14, he started diving and became interested in nature conservation. He traveled to the tropics frequently for many years, having started taking photographs of the fauna and flora in 1996, on a trip to the Brazilian Amazon. Since then, his photographs have appeared in various exhibitions in the US, France, Switzerland and Kenya. They have also been published in two books, Animal Voyage in 2004 (with a new edition in 2007) and Diving into Wildlife in 2015. Some of his most recent photographs can be seen on various National Geographic blogs.
Hussain Aga Khan is currently involved, through the Aga Khan Development Network, in disaster risk mitigation, natural resource management and various environmental projects, including tree planting in East Africa and biodiversity conservation in Asia, as well as research on water and climate change.
Hussain Aga Khan created Focused on Nature in 2014 to "share his passion and personal mission of nature conservation as well as the urgent need to promote research and constructive initiatives on global issues of negative impact on the environment."
To learn more about Hussain Aga Khan and Focused on Nature



Temporary exhibition
Google translation from original article in Portuguese

https://www.museus.ulisboa.pt/pt-pt/o-mar-vivo

Images at:

https://focusedonnature.org/index.php
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EAT Stockholm Food Forum 2019 Speakers

We're proud to host our largest group of speakers ever to share their leadership in the Great Food Transformation from around the world and across sectors.


Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZq2a_8ZKH8

EAT Forum 2019 The Hive Stage Livestream

EAT Stockholm Food Forum is a carefully curated event, open to up to 1000 delegates by invitation only. This results in a gathering of top global thought leaders from science, politics, business, civil society and beyond.


Speakers:

https://eatforum.org/eatforum19-speakers/

Prince Hussain Aga Khan
Founder & Photographer
Focused On Nature [FON]

Hussain Aga Khan was born on 10 April 1974, in Geneva, Switzerland. He received his secondary education at Deerfield Academy, Massachusetts, and graduated from Williams College, Massachusetts, with a dual degree in theatre and French literature. In 2004, he received a Master of International Affairs degree from Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs. At Columbia, Hussain’s main area of study was Economic and Political Development with a regional focus on the Middle East and North Africa.

Hussain has been an avid tropical fish hobbyist since the age of five and amphibian enthusiast since he was 14. At 14, he started scuba diving and developed a keen interest in conservation. He started travelling to the tropics frequently at secondary school, and began taking photographs of fauna and flora on a trip to the Brazilian Amazon in 1996.

He is chair of the board of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, focusing mainly on disaster risk reduction and emergency management in Central Asia, Pakistan and India. He also serves on the board of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), and sits on the AKDN Committee, the oversight body of the Aga Khan Development Network. Involvement with the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) has centered on the management of the Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan Fund for the Environment.

An assembly of his rainforest photographs from seven countries, entitled Rainforests and including statistics related to deforestation and biodiversity, appeared in three exhibits in the US in 2004. His work has also been exhibited in Paris at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie (2007), at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco for the Blue Ocean Film Festival (2015), at the IUCN ocean conference in Hawaii in 2016, and again at the museum in Monaco for the 20th anniversary of Prince Albert’s foundation (2016). His photography was recently featured at the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in Nairobi.

Collections of his photographs have been published in two books, Animal Voyage in 2004 (new edition printed in 2007) and Diving into Wildlife in 2015. Some of Hussain's photographs have appeared on NaDonal Geographic blogs. Since 2009 his focus has mainly been on underwater photography, especially of turtles, sharks, whales and dolphins.

Focused On Nature, the small conservation fund that Hussain established with Nazir Sunderji in 2014, has supported the conservation of sharks, cetaceans and African elephants. Smaller or infrequent grants have gone to the preservation of manta rays, rhinoceroses, orangutang, and endangered amphibians in Central America. Should FON grow, Hussain and Nazir would like to address rainforests, more great apes, more amphibians, and coral reefs.
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SPEECH DELIVERED BY Prince Hussain Aga Khan

Resilient Housing Challenge in Geneva, Switzerland


Geneva, Switzerland (13 May 2019)

Image


Group Photo featuring Resilient Homes Challenge Award Winners, World Bank Representatives and Senior AKAH Staff members, Onno Ruhl and Prince Hussain, Geneva, Switzerland.
AKDN

SPEECH:

Friends and colleagues from the United Nations, The World Bank, and various other international organisations and NGOs,

It is a great pleasure for me to be here today and see the fantastic results of the Resilient Home Challenge.

At the Aga Khan Development Network we have worked for decades to respond to innumerable earthquakes, avalanches, floods, and landslides. The countries that fall in the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat’s remit have suffered 847 major disasters over the last 28 years, accounting for over 243,000 lives lost. As all of us know, these disasters often cause families to lose their most valuable asset: their home. Time and again we have worked to put people in tents in the response phase, then in shelters, to keep them warm and safe during winter. Each time we found that it was very difficult to find affordable and practical solutions to the logical next step: to put them in new homes so that they could resume their normal life.

As we all know, natural disasters are increasing in both frequency and severity because of climate change. They have become more devastating than in the past. Both in mountainous and coastal areas, effects are especially strong. While the coastal impact is well known, and gets lots of publicity, as was the case with Cyclone Fani just ten days ago, the same is not true of mountainous areas. Yet, the same hill a villager might have heard from his grandfather was the site of a devastating avalanche or flood in the past, now seems to cause trouble every few years. And glaciers that were there forever, now pose immediate threats of glacial lake outburst floods that wipe away people’s homes and livelihoods. The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat was created specifically to find ways to deal with these increasing threats. Its mission is to find innovative ways to address the threat of natural disaster and work to make communities resilient, building on the decades of experience of various AKDN agencies.

It was therefore an easy decision for us to partner with the World Bank and others in support of the Resilient Home Challenge. Creating contextual, affordable and easy-to-build home designs is one of many important steps toward a more effective approach to disaster preparedness, response and reconstruction.

I want to thank in particular my friend Saurabh Dani, who started the Challenge, as well as all those who contributed innovative designs, including those we can see here today. I also want to assure all of you that the AKDN, and in particular the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat is keen to develop future partnerships to help us meet the challenge of keeping communities resilient and as safe as possible from natural disasters.

Thank you very much.

https://www.akdn.org/speech/prince-huss ... rce=Direct
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2019, June 13: SPEECH DELIVERED BY Prince Hussain Aga Khan

Resilient Housing Challenge in Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva, Switzerland (13 May 2019)

VIDEO SPEECH HERE:

http://ismaili.net/timeline/2019/2019-06-13-hak.mp4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbVLyCLejXg

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Prince Hussain Aga Khan wedding to Princess Fareen 2019

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2019, September 20: Prince Hussain Aga Khan wedding to Princess Fareen 2019

The happy couple will get married in a civil ceremony on 27th of September 2019 and then the Nikah will be performed on 29th September 2019 in Geneva.

Mowlana Hazar Imam, in a special message said "The wedding of my beloved son Hussain and Fareen is an event that brings immense happiness to my family and me personally". He further added that the Chairman of the LIF will represent the Jamat at the wedding.

Image

In December 2018, last year, Mowlana Hazar Imam announced the engagement of Prince Hussain and Princess Fareen (born Miss Elizabeth Hoag) - Prince Hussain who has graduated from Williams College (see our coverage of the event: http://ismaili.net/timeline/1997/williams.html ) has worked with the Imam on cultural and environmental issues, disaster reduction and emergency management at the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat. Miss Hoag has a Master's degree in Mental Health Counselling.

Mowlana Hazar Imam will be in London 3 days later to host a special event. attended by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Aga Khan Center on 2nd October 2019.

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Google translation of the article in Portuguese

Prince Hussain Photo Shoot Enhances the Beauty of the Living Sea

Yesterday, September 27, Prince Hussain visited the National Museum of Natural History and Science to inaugurate his "The Living Sea" Photo Essay. Prince Hussain was accompanied by his bride, Miss Elizabeth Hoag, Prince Amyn, Prince Rahim, and Princess Salwa.

The exhibition, which features over 100 underwater images that capture and reflect Prince Hussain's ecological and environmental concerns, is the result of a collaboration between the Museum, the University of Lisbon, and Focused on Nature.

The Director of the Museum of Natural History and Science, Marta Lourenço, welcomed government representatives, ambassadors, deans and members of civil society at the opening ceremony of the exhibition that portrays the beauty, fragility and diversity of marine life.

In his speech, Prince Hussain drew attention to the need and urgency to protect, conserve, and manage ocean heritage and resources and also spoke on the theme of the exhibition, stating: "What you see in this exhibition represents nothing but frozen time. Incredible and joyous moments and encounters with these wondrous creatures; some terribly rare and some more mischievous, playful, and clever than you can imagine. "

"As a wildlife photographer, one wonders which of our subjects will remain in twenty, ten or five years."

After visiting the entire exhibition, National Council President Rahim Firozali said: "The exhibition shows Prince Hussain's incredible work over several years, portraying his passion for wildlife and marine life, and also shows the beauty of the sea and its creatures The President went on to suggest that humanity should work to preserve this beauty for generations to come.

Cristina Brazio of the State Protocol said: "The photographs are magical and address our current concerns about the ocean, the environment. Prince Hussain Aga Khan has done a good job of raising awareness of these issues, as we all have a small role to play. "

It was from a young age that Prince Hussain became interested in marine life and began diving at the age of 14, further increasing his interest in nature conservation. His photographs have been featured in various exhibitions in the US, France, Switzerland and Kenya.

Prince Hussain created Focused on Nature in 2014 to share his personal conservation passion and mission, to raise awareness and to encourage viable initiatives on global issues that have a negative impact on the environment. He has also published two books with his photographs - Animal Voyage and Diving into Wildlife, some of the recent photographs being used on National Geographic blogs.

The exhibition is open to the public from today, September 27 and will be on display at the Museum of Natural History and Science until December 29, 2019. All Jamat is invited to visit!

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https://www.gg2.net/aga-khans-son-princ ... beth-hoag/


The Ismaili | 30 September 2019 | Global

The wedding of Prince Hussain and Ms Elizabeth Hoag

Image

Prince Hussain and Princess Fareen pose for a group photograph with Mawlana Hazar Imam; Vahid Khoshideh, President of the Association Islamique et Culturelle d’Ahl-el-Bayt de Geneve (centre right); Mahmoud Eboo, Chairman of the Leaders’ International Forum; and his wife Karima Eboo. Photo: Anya Campbell Photography



Prince Hussain, second son of Mawlana Hazar Imam, married Ms Elizabeth Hoag in a private ceremony on 29 September 2019, in Geneva, Switzerland. Attended by immediate family members, the proceedings took place in accordance with Muslim tradition.

“This is a very happy occasion for us and I am delighted to welcome Elizabeth into our family,” said Mawlana Hazar Imam.

Since graduating with a Masters of International Affairs from Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Prince Hussain has worked with numerous agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), concentrating on cultural and environmental issues as well as Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Management. He is also the founder of Focused On Nature, an organisation dedicated to the conservation and protection of threatened and endangered species, as well as habitat conservation efforts.

Elizabeth Hoag, who has adopted the name Fareen upon embracing Islam, holds a Master's degree in Mental Health Counselling, and has worked in private practice, specialising in issues of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Social Anxiety. She was born in New York City, United States.

Prince Hussain and Elizabeth Hoag were engaged in December last year.


Prince Hussain and Princess Fareen were married on 29 September 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland.


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Google translation of the original article in Portuguese

Hussain Aga Khan: “Everything is dying in the oceans”
SOCIETY 19.10.2019 at 19h30

Photos at:

http://visao.sapo.pt/actualidade/socied ... os-oceanos

Immersive - Hussain Aga Khan, 45, photographed in front of a huge light box at his photographic exhibition at the National Museum of Natural History and Science. The exhibition project that takes us to the bottom of the sea is by Nuno Gusmão / P06 Atelier

Prince Hussain Aga Khan portrays marine ecosystems to help change consciousness. At the opening of his exhibition in Lisbon, he told VISÃO about this passion and life mission
Mafalda Angels
MAFALDA ANGELS
Director


Vânia Maia
VÂNIA MAIA
Journalist

It looks like we're under the sea, with eight tons of sand at our feet and amazing large-scale backlit photographs in front of us. These are images that impress, thrill and make us think about wildlife and endangered ecosystems. This is exactly the goal of Prince Hussain Aga Khan, son of the Ismaili Imam Aga Khan, who is a nature photographer, founder of the NGO Focused on Nature and a lover of the environment and sustainability. We were with him at the opening of his photo essay The Living Sea , on display at the National Museum of Natural History and Science at the University of Lisbon until December 29th.

What is your most special underwater memory?

It is very difficult to choose the most special ... I have had incredible moments underwater. I had an extraordinary experience with a crazy whale that I called Crazy George . I've seen whales and their young, a turtle has been with me for 45 minutes…

When did you start diving and shooting?

I started when I was 14 years old. I think it was in the Virgin Islands that my parents put me on a boat with a crazy guy - the first thing he told me was that I was in Vietnam! [ Laughs .] It took me to the bottom of the sea, and with the pressurization, I started to feel pain. When we have these pains, we should slowly rise to the surface, but he pulled me down my leg and at the end of the day was bleeding from my nose. It was crazy. In the second dive, we had to walk a long way through the sand until we got to low tide and I have a "broken" leg and arm, it was very bad ... But I fell in love with the sea: diving for hours and hours every summer since my 5 or 6 years old, I just love it.

How many hours do you spend underwater each year?

I don't know… Some dives entail four hours a day underwater, but most are 45 minutes. If we do one dive a day it's a little tiring; two dives are stressful and three make us exhausted. With four dives in one day we go to bed at six in the afternoon and wake up at eight in the morning. With dolphins and whales, the dives are on the surface and you can swim two or three hours straight if you have enough strength - and it's well worth it. If the animals are interesting and the visibility is good, we don't even pass the time, but if we don't see much and the experience is bad, then we count every minute.

Spinner Dolphin, Egypt, 2018 - “It was a playful and very acrobatic group - aquatic! - from dozens of spinner dolphins. Every hour we spend in the water with dolphins - any species - seems miraculous, a perfect dream or a fantasy. ”
Spinner Dolphin, Egypt, 2018 - “It was a playful and very acrobatic group - aquatic! - from dozens of spinner dolphins. Every hour we spend in the water with dolphins - any species - seems miraculous, a perfect dream or a fantasy. ”

What is the purpose of this photographic exhibition?

I hope it has educational value and can help change something. We must change people's behavior and improve environmental sustainability in the coming years.

Why is it so urgent for you to show these images of marine life?

Because everything is dying. Everything is dying all over the world. The climate is changing, corals are dying, sharks are disappearing by the millions every year, 90% of the big fish are gone, and of the rest of the fish we fish, I think 90% are overfished too . Between pollution, climate change, fishing and the rest ... it's a disgrace. And not only are the oceans at risk, but also forests, the Amazon, biodiversity ... Tigers are almost gone, polar bears are almost gone, cheetahs, rhinos are at risk. .. An estimated 36,000 elephants disappear every year, one elephant is killed every 15 minutes… And I'm trying to show people what there is and make them fall in love. Of course I'm not the only person doing it, There are thousands of conservation photographers, but I am trying to play my part in helping people care, love and want to protect life on the planet. And try to change some terrible behaviors. At this moment, children need to know what is going on around them, young people cannot grow up without knowing what is going on in the world, in their countries and what is happening to the environment. We are at a turning point, when the crisis is biting our heels. We have heard the expression “turning moment” so many times that I am not sure how we can give it the proper value. Children need to know what is going on around them, young people cannot grow up without knowing what is going on in the world, in their countries and what is happening to the environment. We are at a turning point, when the crisis is biting our heels. We have heard the expression “turning moment” so many times that I am not sure how we can give it the proper value. Children need to know what is going on around them, young people cannot grow up without knowing what is going on in the world, in their countries and what is happening to the environment. We are at a turning point, when the crisis is biting our heels. We have heard the expression “turning moment” so many times that I am not sure how we can give it the proper value.

Is the world finally aware of the urgency to act to avert a climate catastrophe?

I believe we are aware, but that does not mean that we will act. I know chocolate gets fat and I still eat it. I think we all know we should fly less, we should drive less, we know we shouldn't throw plastic away ... We know all that. I fly to Indonesia, Tonga and many other places to take my pictures. Every time I get on a plane, I wonder if it's really worth it. We can know how things are and yet not change our behavior. Knowing is not enough, it takes action.

A parent and a bossa whale calf, Tonga, 2015 - “The water was very clear that day and the visibility was great. The sun's rays shining in the deep waters are beautiful. So beautiful that sometimes I shoot them only at them and the black spot below me. Normally the puppies are lighter than their mothers, which makes them stand out in the picture. ”
A parent and a bossa whale calf, Tonga, 2015 - “The water was very clear that day and the visibility was great. The sun's rays shining in the deep waters are beautiful. So beautiful that sometimes I shoot them only at them and the black spot below me. Normally the puppies are lighter than their mothers, which makes them stand out in the picture. ”

What has changed in your daily life to be more sustainable?

I try to travel less, I have an electric car, but it's very low, so it's hard to get in… [ Laughs .] I have a Tesla, but I can't make the Paris-Geneva trip with him because I don't have enough autonomy to do 500 kilometers. Which is a shame because I take this trip so many times. My wife and I don't use plastic at home, but as soon as we leave home, there's water in plastic bottles, we go to a store and give us plastic bags, now less because we have to pay them, but they are still there. Whenever I buy chocolates, the boxes come wrapped in plastic ... It's everywhere. We can make our own decisions, but nothing will change unless all companies decide not to use it.

What you are saying is that changing our behavior is not enough. Political decisions are required.

Yes, I think we have to act on existing knowledge. Of course, there are heads of state who deny climate change and are trying to increase coal production; that tell people that none of this is real and that they are taking steps that could help save the environment… There are individual decisions that people can make, but some changes must also be imposed from above.

How do you react to those who continue to deny climate change ?

Sometimes I don't know if they're stupid or just stubborn. I know I shouldn't say this, but honestly, when 97% of scientists say something and we don't believe it, we have to be very stupid or very stubborn, or simply not interested in the environment and humanity. Economist Jeffrey Sachs said recently that climate change denying heads of state have genocidal behavior - they are environmental terrorists or killers because if they do not implement change today, many people will die in five, ten or 15 years.

Does it align with those who speak of ecocide, a crime against humanity?

Yes No doubt. It is urgent to act and act quickly. And the behavior of some politicians has been terrible.

How is the Aga Khan Foundation fighting climate change?

I worked in the environmental field for ten years in a fund named after my great uncle and we did a lot of reforestation in East Africa. We've also cleaned a lot of nature parks, helped our culture fund raise environmental awareness in the parks… But overall, over the past 20 or 30 years we've not done enough. Now my brother has set up a committee on environment and climate change and we are going to plant a lot more, we will stop using plastic in our offices and try to reduce their consumption throughout the system, in local and field offices. I believe that with him in leadership, and with the help of his wife, and also with my commitment, we will make a difference. We haven't done enough in the last 40 years.

Will this be one of the projects of your life?

No doubt. It will be one of the most important things I can imagine.


Will the focus be on reforestation?

We know that planting trees is one of the best things we can do to combat global warming by suppressing excess carbon dioxide. Calculations show that if we planted a trillion trees, we would be able to absorb almost all the carbon in the atmosphere. Reforesting is one of the easiest ways to help the planet… I don't know if it will reverse the climate crisis because the climate will continue to warm for the next 20 years, even if we stop emitting carbon today, studies say, but planting trees all over the world. side can make a big difference.

How do you see Greta Thunberg's work?

I think she's fantastic and that will make a difference. The fact that it can galvanize millions of people is extraordinary. We have to implement the changes together with the heads of state and the United Nations, and people have to agree to those changes. In some cases, politicians tried to do the right things and it turned against them. Macron tried to impose the fuel tax and look what happened to him… But people are supposed to know that we are in a time of crisis, and we have all the science we need to confirm - we have had it for 30 years but we haven't changed much…

Will pressure from younger generations be important?

It should help, I believe so. Environmental education has to involve children, I always thought that our generation arrived a little late or was too stubborn, we have been going this way for a long time to make a difference. Today's children need to know what is going on and galvanize others.

Is it fair to put this weight on children's shoulders?

I do not think we are putting that responsibility on your shoulders. One of my favorite quotes says, “The biggest threat to our planet is believing that it will be other people saving us.” But I believe today's young people will be able to make a bigger difference than the one we made. They may be more determined and more informed. And the more educated, the less stubborn they will be.

Will it be possible to save the planet without changing the way the economy works?

I do not think so. Do you think it's possible? I am not an expert in economics or politics, I am just a nature photographer. More than anything else, I worry that it may be too late, I really worry. I fear it may be too late for the climate, I fear it may be too late to save some pieces of land, to protect forests, to improve policies, to educate people, to reduce carbon emissions… I do not know if the situation could be reversed if politicians and citizens, and even businesses, began to make the right choices.

California Sea Lion, Mexico, 2014 - “I love this picture, it's one of my favorites because of the expression of this funny sea lion. Always reminds me of my dog! [Laughs.]"
California Sea Lion, Mexico, 2014 - “I love this picture, it's one of my favorites because of the expression of this funny sea lion. Always reminds me of my dog! [Laughs.]"

More than a prince, he is the son of His Highness Aga Khan, a spiritual leader worshiped by millions of people around the world. How did this influence you as a child and of course as an adult? Is it a big responsibility?

I've always been in the spotlight and always felt, we all felt, a lot of pressure for it. But it has been a very enriching path, we are very privileged. I would like to make a difference as much as possible. In some cases, such as environmental issues and photography, I have done it outside the Foundation. My photography has always been done separately, but today we realize that it can be a good educational tool. I try not to impose my photography on anyone, but with my brother involved in the environmental program, we can use my photography on some work we do to help make a difference. On the religious side ... I don't want or can talk about that.

How often do you visit Lisbon?

Not as often as you would like. I've been here for work, about seven or eight times, I visited the Ismaili Center and the social projects we have developed here - which are many - but I would like to come more often. I love Lisbon and I love Portugal, but I don't know enough yet, I've never been to Porto, I've only been to Cascais and Lisbon.

The Ismaili community is very large, there are 15 million people, and Portugal is home to one of the smaller communities. Even so, you have decided to establish your headquarters here. What can we give to the world?
I am not an expert, but I believe Portugal is very progressive, has advanced legislation, great diversity and a very open mindedness. We are very lucky to have good relations with the governments and the Portuguese.

What can you tell us about the Aga Khan Foundation projects in Portugal? When will a Khan Academy be established here?

I believe the Lisbon academy will be one of the next two that we will do. But this is not my area: my focus over the last 15 years has been on the environment, the culture trust and also the emergency response to disasters and disasters in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India. I follow the other programs and projects, but I don't keep up with them.

Plastic is one of the biggest threats to the oceans. What can we do to prevent us from having more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050?

Apparently the plastics industry will expand by 40% in the next decade. We must all strive not to use plastic. I do not think it is urban individuals who are causing the problem, but surely we can all change. I heard that estimate for 2050 five years ago and I think it's a tragedy. Some of the changes really have to come from above, as I said before.

Spanish Ballerina, Philippines, 2017 - “Each position that the Spanish ballerina acquires while rippling in the water is completely different. It flows into the water like a veil in the wind. ”
Spanish Ballerina, Philippines, 2017 - “Each position that the Spanish ballerina acquires while rippling in the water is completely different. It flows into the water like a veil in the wind. ”

Disclosure

And it confronts plastic in its expeditions. Have you seen the dive sites change over time?

I have seen corals disappearing in many places, and those that are not dead have shrunk greatly and lost health. I see algae in corals where they didn't exist before. In some cases, I see many hooks and fishing wires in shark mouths. Plastic is increasingly present wherever it goes. In Egypt, the Philippines, Indonesia, the Maldives, the Bahamas… It's everywhere and things have gotten a lot worse in recent years.

What would you like to photograph next?

Lots of things ... I would like, for example, to try photographing sperm whales in the Azores and mobula rays, which are one of the most amazing animals I have ever seen.

And edit your images a lot?

I try to edit my photos to a minimum. I hate it. I want to show reality as it is, and editing too many images as I see a lot of people doing is turning reality into a scam.

Scalloped Hammerhead Shark, Costa Rica, 2017 - “They are notoriously nervous and far from divers. To get good pictures you need to hold your breath. All of us on these dives tried our best not to expire at the wrong time, causing a burst of bubbles that would scare them off. ”
Scalloped Hammerhead Shark, Costa Rica, 2017 - “They are notoriously nervous and far from divers. To get good pictures you need to hold your breath. All of us on these dives tried our best not to expire at the wrong time, causing a burst of bubbles that would scare them off. ”

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