Xposure welcomes conservation activists on environment issues in Sharjah
- 18 Feb 2024
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
The 8th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival, organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), will host environmental activist Junior Hekurari, leader of the Yanomami tribe in the Amazon, during the “Conservation Summit” as part of the festival’s events. This edition will run from Feb.28 to March 5 at the Expo Centre Sharjah.
The Conservation Summit will highlight the extraordinary efforts made by Junior Hekurari as a leading example of those who have made an impact in environmental protection. Right from his youth, he joined activists advocating for the protection of the Amazon, serving as the president of the Yanomami Association and the Local Health Council for Indigenous Suburban Populations. He has fought against deforestation due to illegal gold mining and its disastrous effects on the environment and indigenous people in the Alto Alegre, Roraima region (northern Brazil).
The Conservation Summit at Xposure 2024 will feature 15 speakers, including renowned photographers and conservationists, who will lead discussions and presentations on pressing environmental issues. Among them are Charlie Hamilton James, Florian Schulz, Kathy Moran, Beth Wald, Kiliii Yuyan, Sandesh Kadur, Melody Mnisi, Karabo Magakane, Rifumo Mathebula, and Mike Kendrick.
Alya Al Suwaidi, Director of SGMB, affirmed the commitment of Xposure to organising the “Conservation Summit,” which includes a number of events, exhibitions, and discussion sessions aimed at promoting environmentally friendly practices and raising awareness of environmental issues. This commitment aligns with the United Arab Emirates’ efforts to support the environment and reflects its vision for sustainability.
The SGMB Director stressed that hosting an elite group of photographers, experts, seasoned professionals, environmental activists, and conservation advocates on a unified platform facilitates the exchange of knowledge and experiences. This collaboration plays a crucial role in broadcasting a compelling environmental ethos to a global audience, thereby amplifying the impact of their conservation message.
The top experts and photographers participating in the Conservation Summit, taking place on Feb.29 within the festival’s events, will present their environmentally supportive propositions through their experiences in photography. They will highlight the beauty of protected areas that have been documented through their lenses to enhance global efforts and actions aimed at raising awareness for environmental preservation.
To be part of this impactful journey towards a sustainable future, where photography serves as a catalyst for change and environmental protection, visit https://xposure.net/events/conservation-summit-24-opening/.
With more than 2,500 awe-inspiring and thought-provoking images from around the world, Sharjah’s Xposure International Photography Festival is gearing up to host its 8th and biggest edition, from Feb.28-March 5 in Expo Centre Sharjah. These images, and the stories behind it, will be showcased on a spectacular 32,888 sqm festival platform by more than 400 visual storytellers from over 50 nations through curated exhibitions, panel discussions, workshops and more, making Xposure 2024 the world’s largest celebration of photography, film and other mediums of visual arts.
The festival organiser, Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), successfully attracted over 20,000 visitors to the 7th edition of Xposure last year and is preparing to welcome an even larger audience this year. The event promises an exciting showcase of global talent with more than 200 activities led by over 150 world-renowned photographers. The programme includes over 90 solo and group exhibitions, more than 45 inspiring talks and discussions, over 25 film screenings, and upwards of 65 expert-led workshops. Additionally, there will be over 50 professional portfolio reviews, along with several guided tours, book signings, and a trade exhibition featuring 20 international brands, all spanning the 7-day event.