Have we forgotten to revere life in different forms? Renowned wildlife photographers pose pressing question at Xposure 2024

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In a poignant presentation at Xposure, husband-wife duo discuss their Sacred Nature Initiative and reminded the audience that our collective responsibility to nature extends beyond preservation

Jonathan and Angela Scott, the renowned wildlife photographers and conservationists, shared insights into their extraordinary journeys across the captivating landscapes of Africa at the International Photography Festival on Monday. They reminded the audience that the collective responsibility to nature goes beyond preservation.

The talk, The Sacred Nature Initiative (SNI): Reconnecting People to Our Planet, at Stage X of the exhibition, was filled with anecdotes and experiences. It shed light on the urgency of reconnecting with nature and the importance of preserving our last great wildernesses. “The Sacred Nature Initiative not only celebrates the beauty of landscapes,” Jonathan said, “but also aims to protect the habitats crucial for thousands of species.”

The initiative seeks to inspire people to rediscover the sacred connection with nature that binds us to the intricate web of life on Earth—the only place we call home.

“One of the biggest problems today is that we view nature as something to be taken from. We are continually taking from it as if it's inexhaustible. It is not. We need to rekindle an emotional connection between us and the wildlife,” Jonathan told an audience awestruck by the sharp wildlife photographs taken by the couple over the last several decades.

The talk delved into the vast and diverse landscapes of the Serengeti Mara in Kenya, capturing the essence of the last great migration. While pointing at a photograph of cattle grazing in a vast field, Jonathan highlighted the delicate balance between animals and grasslands, emphasising the significance of vegetation in sustaining life.

“Through the Sacred Nature Initiative, we are trying to inspire, educate, and conserve wildlife,” Jonathan said.

Talking about Maasai Mara, where local communities coexist with wildlife, Jonathan noted that the tribal communities are facing challenges such as conflicts with elephants and lions.

“The Maasai Mara is spread over 1,500 square kilometres with more than 500 species. It's the web of life. When I look at these pictures, I'm constantly reminded that there are people, local communities, the Maasai communities who are living next to these wild creatures. While we revere these great elephants, there are people whose livelihoods or sources of vegetation are uprooted by the wild animals.”

He stressed the importance of understanding and respecting the perspectives of those who share their land with these magnificent creatures.

The photographer also touched on the impact of climate change on iconic species, such as the Arctic polar bears and African lions, underscoring the urgency of conservation efforts. He reminded the audience of the fragile state of Antarctica, where even remote regions are not immune to the consequences of human actions.

The talk concluded with a call to action, urging his audience to embrace mindfulness and reconnect with their sacred nature. “It’s worth reminding ourselves somewhere tonight, in New York, London, or in Nigeria, somebody is going to be eating one of these animals. We have to think about that,” Jonathan said, reminding the audience of the importance of instilling a sense of wonder and reverence for the planet to safeguard its last great wildernesses.