On August 2nd, the 59th Wildlife Photographer of the Year (WPY) Awards Exhibition World Tour Shanghai Station kicked off at the historic Bund 111 Art Space (No. 111 Jiangsu Road, Shangtou Building, Shanghai). Nearly a hundred of the world's top nature photographs were showcased, leaving viewers in awe. The exhibition will run until August 30th and is free to the public. Since 1987, the WPY Awards Exhibition has been touring the world, attracting over 6 million visitors annually. The exhibition is not only a display of artworks but also a form of public education. The artistic and aesthetic value of the works can serve as a medium for spreading ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) concepts, prompting the public to reflect on how to protect these precious natural resources while admiring the beauty of nature. It also encourages more people to actively participate in environmental protection efforts.

Leaders and guests from Fofund, Shanghai Trust, and WildChina attended the opening ceremony and jointly unveiled the exhibition

Fofund, as one of the co-organizers, first brought the WPY Awards Exhibition to Shanghai in collaboration with WildChina last year. This year, it is honored to work with Shanghai Trust, WildChina, and the Natural History Museum in the UK to bring the 59th WPY Awards Exhibition back to the Bund.

At the recently concluded 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China's Third Plenary Session, it was proposed that China's modernization is a modernization of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. JiuYi Fund aims to present the beauty and diversity of natural ecosystems to the public through the wildlife photography exhibition. This initiative is designed to enhance public awareness and understanding of the natural environment and wildlife, raise environmental consciousness, and promote the concept of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets." It also seeks to inspire more people to take part in the actual actions of protecting nature and wildlife and fostering harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

Over a Hundred Guests Witness the Inauguration of the Public Welfare Photography Exhibition

The Secretary of the Party Committee and General Manager of Shanghai Trust, Chen Bing, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony

Chen Bing, the Secretary of the Party Committee and General Manager of Shanghai Trust, stated at the opening ceremony that the transformation of the trust industry is closely related to cultural endeavors, and the development of ESG finance is an inevitable direction for the industry's transition. Through these powerful photographic works, he expressed the hope that people would be inspired to pay more attention to environmental protection and biodiversity conservation, and work together to build a community of life for all on Earth.

The Chairman of Fofund, Wang Xiang, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony.

“Through these magnificent images of nature, we hope to convey our care for the natural world and wildlife, and let the vitality of these creatures drive human attention and action towards nature and wildlife conservation,” said Wang Xiang, Chairman of Fofund. He added that the company will continue to actively participate in public welfare initiatives, focusing on wildlife protection and environmental ecosystem restoration as key areas for fulfilling its corporate social responsibility.

WildChina Founder and Renowned Wildlife Photographer Xi Zhinong Narrates the Evolution of WPY to Attendees of the Opening Ceremony

“Through our lenses, we document and protect China’s vanishing natural landscapes and wildlife. By capturing the changes in China’s endangered species and natural environments, we aim to enhance public awareness of nature conservation and promote the development of natural history photography in China,” Xi Zhinong said.

Nearly a hundred participants unanimously agreed that this WPY public welfare photography exhibition represents a perfect fusion of natural aesthetics and humanistic art. They expressed the hope that more people will grasp the profound love for nature embedded in these works, deeply reflect on the strong resonance evoked by the natural themes, and ultimately be inspired to pay greater attention to and take active steps in nature and wildlife conservation.

The exhibition is jointly organized by Fofund, Shanghai Trust, and WildChina, with special support from the Shanghai Securities News and the Shanghai Asset Management Association.

Every photograph on display at the exhibition carries the deep care and respect of the photographers for wildlife, as well as the arduous efforts of countless hours of waiting and patience. Additionally, volunteer guides were arranged at the venue to lead the attendees through the exhibition, helping them to appreciate the wonders of nature and the marvels of life captured in the images.