Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year1 September 2006
Some of Shell's fenceline neighbours will be in London when the winner of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition is announced in October.
The competition has a valuable role to play in promoting wildlife protection to the public.
This role has been undermined by the Natural History Museum's choice of sponsor - one of the UK's most environmentally destructive companies - Shell.
Shell's neighbours will be speaking at public meetings and events about Shell's real impact on wildlife, the environment and people's lives.
Sadly, it's cheaper and easier for Shell to buy itself a green image through sponsorship of prestigious events, than it is for it to properly address its devastating impacts around the world.
Hannah Griffiths, Friends of the Earth corporates campaigner
Friends of the Earth has written to all the Directors of the Natural History Museum. The letter outlined Shell's impact on wildlife and asked the Museum not to continue with Shell's sponsorship.
It is not, of course, my role to defend the specific environmental impact of Shell.
Dr Michael Dixon, Director of the Natural History Museum
In response to our letter
Dr Dixon has subsequently refused to meet with Shell's fenceline neighbours when they are in London.
Friends of the Earth is appalled by this response and we urge you to write to the Natural History Museum to ask them not to renew the sponsorship deal.
News update
Success: Shell abandons wildlife prize
After 2 years of campaigning, Shell walk away from their sponsorship of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
Public meetings
Shell. Wildlife champion?
Meet Shell's neighbours and explore Shell's impact on wildlife, the envvironment and people's lives at one of four public meetings this month.
Shell. Wildlife destroyer of the year
See the real impact on wildlife, the environment and people of Shell's operations around the world.
Resource
Jan 2006
Shell sponsors wildlife prize
Shell has shown how hypocritical it is by sponsoring the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
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Images © NHM and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
© NHM
