6 March 2013: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced the launch of an international photography exhibition and book titled “Wild and Precious.” Organized by the GoodPlanet Foundation to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and launched on the occasion of the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to CITES in Bangkok, Thailand, the exhibition aims to raise awareness on trade in endangered species.

The photographic exhibition and book, created in collaboration with UNEP and CITES, draw attention to trade in flowers, horns, skins and fins, the collection of which drive the endangered status of many plants and animals featured in the photos. After CoP 16, the exhibition will be displayed in international airports around the world, with the goal of building awareness and encouraging travelers to think and act responsibly regarding trade in animals and plants. [UNEP Press Release] [IISDRS Meeting Coverage] [CITES CoP 16 Website] [Wild and Precious Website]