An international audience of three hundred people with high level representation from five continents greeted the opening at the United Nations Headquarters in New York of First Steps – Conserving our Environment an exhibition sponsored by the Mission of Malta to the United Nations.

Introduced by Hector Bonavia, Deputy Permanent Representative, Victor Camilleri, Malta Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations formally greeted the assembled guests. In welcoming the guests to the exhibition, Mr Camilleri commented that the environmental theme of the exhibit was particularly appropriate.

Malta, an island nation surrounded by a marine environment has a strong history of leadership in areas such as the Law of the Sea and the island’s future is highly dependent on conserving its environment.

First Steps is an exhibition of photographic fine art by Maltese-born photographer Joseph Zammit-Lucia.

Structured as a number of panels each addressing a different theme, the exhibition takes a positive approach to environmental conservation.

Part of the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s efforts to raise Malta’s profile internationally and attract investment and tourism to the island, the exhibition was well received by the audience. Many commented that they had never seen such a large, high level audience at any similar UN function. “Beautiful and thought-provoking” was one of the typical comments made in the exhibit guest book by the diverse audience in reaction to the exhibition.

Dr Zammit Lucia’s work can be viewed in Malta at Gallery G, 4 Ugo Mifsud Street, Lija, telephone 2142-1984 or by contacting Artissa on 7982-8282.