The Conservation Photography Symposium opened with visual presentations by top names in the profession like legendary photographers, Art Wolfe and David Doubilet. Topics include timely ecological and social issues, such as global warming, cultures at the edge of extinction, and the illegal trade in wildlife.
Over the next four days, the photographers will discuss ways in which images can further contribute to the conservation agenda. The Symposium, sponsored by National Geographic, Conservation International and Asociación Sierra Madre, will culminate on October 6th when the participants will toast the official launch of the International League of Conservation Photographers, an initiative spearheaded by the WILD Foundation to harness the power of images for conservation goals. Finally the Symposium will present conservation recommendations to the 8th World Wilderness Congress.
A major part of the gathering is a large photographic exhibit that highlights the works of many photographers attending the meeting, including National Geographic's Nick Nichols and Robert Glenn Ketchum.
"Wilderness as Seen Through the Eyes of Conservation Photographers" features almost 50 prints and is on display at the Egan Convention Center during the 8th World Wilderness Congress, in Anchorage (sep 29th – Oct. 6th). The prints are on sale to the public and the proceeds will go to supporting the conservation efforts of this dedicated group of artists through our alliance with the WILD Foundation.
A series of visual presentations open to the public and free of charge will are also taking place at the auditorium in the Alaska Public Lands Building.
For details and schedule, visit: www.8wwc.org/program/conservation_photography_outreach.htm
The proceedings of this landmark gathering will be posted on the website of the International League of Conservation Photographers: www.conservationphotography.net.