Global Voices Unite at Xposure 2026 Ocean Conservation Summit

The Xposure International Photography Festival 2026 is set to host its Conservation Summit on February 2, gathering esteemed photographers, scientists, and ocean adventurers to confront urgent concerns threatening marine environments. This year’s theme, “Troubled Waters,” aims to promote actionable solutions for ocean preservation.

Oceans are pivotal for the Earth's health, absorbing 91% of excess heat and 29% of global carbon emissions. Yet, rampant pollution, industrial actions, climate fluctuations, and overfishing are dangerously impacting marine biodiversity. Experts warn that without immediate intervention, numerous marine species face extinction.

Fostering Global Environmental Initiatives

His Excellency Tariq Saeed Allay, Director-General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, noted that the Conservation Summit has emerged as an essential element of Xposure. He emphasized that the summit embodies the festival’s dedication to tackling global environmental issues through solution-oriented dialogue, policy influence, and shared accountability. By leveraging visual storytelling, it bridges science, art, and policy to ignite meaningful environmental action.

Highlight Sessions at the Summit

Kicking off the summit is 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, in conversation with celebrated photojournalist and National Geographic Explorer Brian Skerry. This session delves into oceans as sensitive ecosystems, showcasing how documentary photography can amplify conservation initiatives.

The second key session, titled “Troubled Waters”, gathers influential figures from marine storytelling and scientific realms, including Dr. Jennifer Adler, Shane Gross, Greg Lecoeur, and Pippa Ehrlich, co-director of the acclaimed film My Octopus Teacher. Moderated by Kathy Moran, National Geographic’s inaugural Senior Editor for Natural History, this dialogue will investigate how human activity, urban expansion, and environmental oversight impact marine ecosystems and what actions are essential for their protection.

Marine Conservation Art Exhibitions

Supporting the Conservation Summit are five solo exhibitions within the Ocean and Marine Conservation Zone, which spotlight the threats to marine biodiversity, coral reef deterioration, underwater forests, and delicate ocean habitats through striking visuals.

Notable exhibitions feature the works of Alp Can, Greg Lecoeur, Shane Gross, Jennifer Adler, and Brian Skerry, each showcasing comprehensive visual narratives that illustrate the oceans' allure and the urgent necessity for conservation.

Inspirational Talks on the Main Stage

On February 2, six inspiring talks will occur on the X Stage. Expert speakers will recount experiences from underwater expeditions, marine conservation efforts, and scientific studies, illustrating the instrumental role of photography and film in fostering environmental awareness and animal protection.

Topics covered will include concealed underwater ecosystems, Mediterranean conservation practices, science as storytelling, the role of kelp forests, endangered species, and coral reef degradation.

Workshop in Underwater Photography

On February 3, a four-hour interactive workshop titled “Underwater Photography Tips and Tricks”, led by Alp Can, will cater to novice and intermediate photographers, focusing on diving basics, underwater illumination, composition, and editing techniques.

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

The festival will showcase over 126 talks and keynotes, 72 workshops, 280 portfolio assessments, and 95 exhibitions featuring more than 3,200 works. The Xposure Photography and Film Awards 2026 received an impressive 29,000 photo submissions and 634 film entries from 60 countries, reflecting the festival's expanding global influence and commitment to responsible storytelling.