Post by : Badri Ariffin

On February 2, the Xposure International Photography Festival 2026 will feature its Conservation Summit, uniting top photographers, scientists, and ocean advocates to address pressing threats to marine ecosystems. The event will revolve around the theme “Troubled Waters” and aim to promote actionable solutions for ocean conservation.

Oceans play a vital role in safeguarding our planet by absorbing 91% of excess heat and 29% of global carbon emissions. Nevertheless, factors like pollution, industrial activities, climate change, and overfishing severely jeopardize marine life. Experts caution that without swift action, countless marine species could risk extinction.

A Platform for Global Environmental Action

His Excellency Tariq Saeed Allay, Director-General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, emphasized that the Conservation Summit has emerged as a cornerstone of Xposure. He noted that the summit embodies the festival’s commitment to confronting global challenges by fostering solutions, influencing policy, and enhancing collective responsibility. Through visual storytelling, the summit bridges science, art, and policymaking to galvanize genuine environmental action.

Key Sessions at the Conservation Summit

The summit will commence with the keynote session “The Living Sea: A Fight for Our Oceans” featuring Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah, alongside celebrated photojournalist and National Geographic Explorer Brian Skerry. This session will focus on the oceans as delicate ecosystems and showcase the efficacy of documentary photography in raising awareness and promoting conservation.

The next significant session, “Troubled Waters”, brings together distinguished individuals in marine storytelling and science. Among the speakers are Dr. Jennifer Adler, Shane Gross, Greg Lecoeur, and Pippa Ehrlich, the Academy Award-winning co-director of My Octopus Teacher. Moderated by Kathy Moran, National Geographic’s first Senior Editor for Natural History, the discussion will address the consequences of human consumption, urbanization, and environmental neglect on marine ecosystems and outline the necessary measures for their protection.

Ocean and Marine Conservation Exhibitions

Complementing the Conservation Summit will be five solo exhibitions within the Ocean and Marine Conservation Zone. These exhibits will spotlight marine biodiversity, coral reef decline, underwater forests, and fragile ocean ecosystems, brought to life through striking imagery.

Featured exhibitions will showcase the works of Alp Can, Greg Lecoeur, Shane Gross, Jennifer Adler, and Brian Skerry, each presenting long-term visual narratives that highlight the oceans' splendor and the urgent need for protection.

Inspirational Talks on the X Stage

Six inspiring talks will take place on the X Stage on February 2. Speakers will recount their experiences from underwater exploration, marine conservation, and scientific research, demonstrating how photography and film strengthen environmental awareness and wildlife protection.

Topics will include hidden underwater life, Mediterranean marine conservation, narrative science, kelp forests, endangered species, and the decline of coral reefs.

Underwater Photography Workshop

On February 3, Alp Can will lead a four-hour workshop titled “Underwater Photography Tips and Tricks”. This session is aimed at beginner and intermediate photographers and will cover essential topics like diving basics, underwater lighting, composition, and post-production techniques.

Organized by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, the Xposure International Photography Festival 2026 will be held at Aljada from January 29 to February 4 under the theme “A Decade of Visual Storytelling.”

The festival will encompass 126+ talks and keynotes, 72 workshops, 280 portfolio reviews, and 95 exhibitions showcasing more than 3,200 works. The Xposure Photography and Film Awards 2026 received 29,000 photo submissions and 634 film entries from 60 different countries, demonstrating the festival’s expanding global influence and commitment to socially and environmentally responsible storytelling.

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