Broadcasting Time: 2006-11-29

Hello, and welcome to this edition of Africa Express here on China Radio International. I'm your host, Wei Tong.

If you take the subway in China's capital of Beijing, you may have seen giant advertisements with photos of spectacular African scenery on the walls of the platforms. Upon closer inspection, you will learn that the photographer is Luo Hong, the president of Holiland.

Holiland is one of China's biggest bakery chains. The 39-year-old president is a more than just a successful entrepreneur. He is also a well-known photographer and environmentalist.

"With my photos, I want to show the spectacular aspects of nature as well as the damage it suffers to arouse people's concern of environmental protection."

That was Luo Hong speaking at the opening ceremony of his individual photographic show recently held in Beijing. Entitled "The Globe, Our Homeland," the show exhibited more than 200 exquisite pictures taken by Luo Hong in China's western regions and Africa.

Luo Hong's pictures depict natural beauty in Africa, such as Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Lake Nakru in Kenya, deserts in Namibia as well as wildlife in the East African savanna. His cameras have recorded some of nature's most amazing scenes, such as a herd of gnus migrating, flamingos fishing and lions at play. All of these share one theme: harmony between man and nature. He has called on people not to hurt nature since it is man's homeland.

"The more pictures I took, the more clearly I realized nature has been relentlessly damaged by man. All the damage results from man's uncontrolled temptations. As a man, I feel guilty. As a photographer, I feel I have a responsibility to show the public with my photos the spectacular aspects of nature as well as the damage it suffers to arouse people's concerns for environmental protection."

All the pictures on display will be on sale after the exhibition for Luo Hong's individual foundation of environmental protection, which was initiated under the United Nations Environment Program.

Qu Geping, chairman of the China Environmental Protection Foundation, highlights Luo Hong's behavior as China's environmental ambassador to Africa.

"As both an entrepreneur and a photographer, Luo Hong has made achievements in both business and art sectors. I think he is quite a noble man since he donates his wealth and has set up foundations to improve the environment in Africa."

Qu's words are echoed by former Chinese ambassador to Kenya Guo Chongli, who was deeply impressed by Luo Hong's excellent photography.

"This show reflects the combination of photographic art and environmental protection. As an entrepreneur, he has a high awareness and strong will to contribute to environmental protection with the wealth he has created."

The photo exhibition has attracted many visitors. Alice Manyala is a counselor at the Kenyan embassy in Beijing. She is intoxicated to see such beautiful pictures of her home country.

"Beautiful! Very beautiful and fascinating. Today we have a good ambassador to promote Kenya in China, particularly Mr. Luo Hong. His behavior is very positive. It goes a long way to promote relations between China and Kenya."

Many photography fans came to enjoy the show. Here is one of them.

"I'm moved by the soul of the pictures: the harmony between man and nature. I can feel every picture embodies Luo Hong's profound love for nature and his desire to protect our homeland."

In 2001, Luo Hong embarked on his first photographic trip to Africa, whose nearly untouched nature and simple optimistic people really moved him. Since then, he has been deeply enchanted by the wonderful land and determined to contribute to environmental protection in Africa.

I'll share with you more stories of Luo Hong in our future programs. We now conclude today's program. For anything, you can email us at africaexpress@crifm.com. I am Wei Tong. Bye for now!