Sharjah: H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, attended the opening of the 5th 'Conservation Summit', held under the theme 'Troubled Waters', as part of the 10th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival, taking place in Aljada.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, stated that the Xposure International Photography Festival has positioned Sharjah as a capital of imagery and human awareness. This achievement aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who emphasizes the role of the arts in preserving societal values and the natural environment of the UAE.
The UAE's commitment to marine life conservation was highlighted by the Minister, who noted the country's cultural and historical ties to the sea, stemming from its pearl diving heritage. The Minister emphasized the importance of mangroves, as recognized by the Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and announced that the UAE will promote ocean health at the upcoming United Nations Water Conference 2026.
Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, emphasized Sharjah's cultural history and its role as the UAE's cultural hub. She stated that Xposure embodies the emirate's dedication to culture and creativity, leveraging the power of images to enhance understanding, awareness, and nature protection.
Al Mubarak discussed the critical relationship between people and nature, which is deeply rooted in regional traditions and language. She highlighted the essential contributions of media and documentation to nature conservation, pointing out the role of photography and cinema in creating an emotional connection with nature and encouraging community engagement.
Alia Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, explained that the Conservation Summit at Xposure prioritizes environmental issues through visual storytelling. She emphasized the urgency of addressing threats to marine ecosystems, such as pollution and overfishing, and the importance of imagery in fostering a shared sense of responsibility and collaboration among stakeholders.
The opening ceremony featured a session titled 'The Living Sea: A Fight for Our Oceans,' with insights from Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi and photojournalist Brian Skerry. They underscored the role of visual storytelling in simplifying complex environmental issues and converting awareness into action.
Discussions during the session highlighted the critical importance of ocean health, noting the rapid decline in marine life and the urgent need for conservation efforts. The summit also offers five exhibitions and six talks in the Ocean and Marine Environment Protection Zone, along with a workshop on underwater photography.
The summit's opening was attended by senior officials, photographers, environmental scientists, ocean explorers, and media representatives from around the world.
