The 9th annual Xposure International Photography Festival, a global celebration of the world’s best visual storytellers, has announced the 4th edition of its Conservation Summit on February 24, 2025. Themed ‘Migration and Ecosystem Impact’, the summit, part of Xposure 2025, will unite photographers, conservationists, scientists and advocates who will turn the spotlight on the indispensable role of migration in maintaining ecological balance, biodiversity, and species survival across air, land, and sea.

Through compelling talks accompanied by powerful imagery, the festival, organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) from February 20-26, will examine the resilience of species whose survival depends on migration and the growing challenges they face due to climate change, habitat destruction and human activities.

Acclaimed photographers and storytellers
At the heart of the summit are three insightful talks and presentations that explore migration across different ecosystems. In “The Global Life of Shorebirds”, internationally acclaimed wildlife photographer, cinematographer, and conservationist Gerrit Vyn will offer a captivating look into the extraordinary migrations of shorebirds—some of which complete the longest non-stop flights known in the avian world. His presentation will explore their lifecycle, the critical importance of wetland stopover habitats, and the urgent conservation challenges these species face. Vyn, who has spent years documenting endangered bird species, will highlight their breathtaking resilience and the efforts needed to ensure their survival.

Environmental storyteller and conservationist Jaime Rojo will present “Saving the Monarchs”, an in-depth look at the alarming decline of monarch butterflies, whose numbers have dropped by 90% in the past 30 years. His talk will examine the impact of deforestation, industrial agriculture, and climate change on these pollinators, while highlighting conservation efforts spanning North America, from citizen scientists in Ontario to Indigenous groups in Michoacán. Rojo’s work, merging environmental science with visual storytelling, has played a crucial role in inspiring global audiences to take action.

In “The Bigger Picture: Conservation Implications of Ocean Migrations”, marine conservationist and environmental photojournalist Ralph Pace will explore how ocean migrations sustain marine ecosystems and play a crucial role in climate mitigation. From fertilising the oceans to stabilising coastlines, these vast underwater movements are not only among the longest on the planet but also one of the most vital factors in planetary health. Pace, whose underwater imagery bridges the gap between science and public understanding, will illustrate the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems, underscoring the urgency of collective conservation efforts.

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak: Xposure serves as a vital platform for advancing efforts in environmental awareness and sustainability.

Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, expressed her delight at the upcoming participation in the conservation summit at Xposure, praising the festival’s significant role in making photography and the arts one of the most important tools for finding solutions to various challenges, including those related to the environment and nature, which serve as a source of inspiration for artists and photographers worldwide.

The Minister noted: “The hosting of an conservation summit as part of Xposure is a remarkable addition to the UAE’s efforts in raising awareness about living organisms, particularly those at risk of extinction, to support their conservation and highlight the role of migration in sustaining ecosystems. Protecting nature and achieving environmental balance is a collective responsibility, and Xposure undoubtedly serves as a crucial platform to drive efforts in this direction. Through these initiatives, we contribute together to increasing environmental awareness and creating a sustainable future for ourselves within the embrace of Mother Nature and her balanced ecosystems.”

Tariq Saeed Allay: Summit to inspire awareness and foster tangible solutions
HE Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of Sharjah Government Media Bureau, said: “Through photography, we turn the lens on environmental crises, transforming them into global conversations. Photography and films are more than a tool for documenting; they are a catalyst for raising awareness and change.”

He added: “At Xposure, we believe in the power of visual storytelling to confront the world with its most urgent environmental challenges, to spark dialogue and sound the alarm for immediate action. We invite conservationists, scientists, photographers, filmmakers, and the public to participate in this global dialogue and drive change.”

The 4th edition of the Conservation Summit builds on the legacy of previous editions, such as the 2024 event, which addressed deforestation, climate change, and the protection of indigenous communities. Last year’s guest of honour, Junior Hekurari, leader of the Amazon’s Yanomami tribe, exemplified the impact of grassroots activism combined with global advocacy.

A global platform for action
Xposure 2025 offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with global changemakers working on the frontlines of environmental preservation. The Conservation Summit serves as a vital platform for sparking meaningful conversations and inspiring actionable solutions to protect the planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems.

Complete details on Xposure 2025 and its accompanying events are available at xposure.net.