Kenya Wildlife Service and Chinese youth group hold wildlife photo show in Nairobi

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Chinese Youth Association held an international photography exhibition and charity event in Nairobi on Thursday 8 October to promote the conservation of iconic wildlife species in their natural habitats, Xinhua reported on 9 October.

The two organisations ran the event jointly with a Chinese delegation of wildlife photographers who specialise in ecological photography.

Erustus Kanga, director general of the KWS, said Kenya and China have a long-standing relationship and are committed to protecting wildlife heritage and ecological health for the benefit of local communities, according to Xinhua. His speech was read on his behalf by Gladys Kosgei, the KWS director in charge of planning, partnerships and enterprise.

Kanga said Kenya has strengthened cooperation with China in protecting wildlife across diverse landscapes. He urged the visiting Chinese photographers to become ambassadors for Kenya's conservation story when they return to China. "Share what you have seen, what you have learned and what you have experienced," he said.

Justina Yang, president of the Kenya Chinese Youth Association, said, as quoted by Xinhua, that wildlife conservation had become an integral part of the China-Kenya friendship. She said Chinese nationals living in Kenya had supported local wildlife conservation activities.

Xiao Ge, a Chinese wildlife photographer, said, as quoted by Xinhua, that he was excited to visit Kenya and use his camera to capture and document the country's iconic landscapes, wildlife and people. He said Chinese photographers and nature enthusiasts have travelled to Africa over the years, using images to highlight the continent's natural beauty.