Storytellers take a stand to protect wildlife

As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words—and wildlife photographers know it. Now photographers and videographers are hoping their images will inspire lawmakers to move beyond words and take action to protect our nation’s most at-risk wildlife.  

Brian Skerry, Karim IIiya, Cristina Mittermeier, Ami Vitale and a growing list of other storytellers are helping Environment America pass a message to Congress about the importance of conserving nature and the beautiful species within it. Many of these photographers have graced the pages of National Geographic magazine, some are leading global or local conservation movements and others are teaching young photographers how to capture nature with the utmost respect and least amount of intrusion. Some are known and well-followed in their local communities for capturing the beauty of local areas and local wildlife. These  storytellers are asking Congress to pass the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act and their voices are crucial in the fight for conservation. 

What is the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act all about?

Every state has created a State Wildlife Action Plan, which identifies species of greatest conservation need and provides a comprehensive blueprint to protect them. The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would give states the funding to finally fulfill these plans. This would include restoring habitats, controlling invasive species, connecting landscapes, researching and tracking species, developing partnerships with private landowners and organizations, and more.

In short, Recovering Wildlife would be a game changer for state conservation officials and the future of wildlife. It would give struggling species a firmer hold on survival—species that make up the diverse, unique landscape of our country.

Why their voices matter

Many storytellers are already dedicated to conservation initiatives, either entering the field of photography because of environmental concerns, or developing an environmental passion because of their work. 

“Spending time in nature inspired me and continues to inspire me to devote my life to conservation. I can’t imagine a world without our diverse species,” Gaelin Rosenwaks, wildlife photographer, scientist & Global Ocean Exploration founder. 

The power of wildlife photographers lies in their ability to speak to our hearts. They use their artistic talent to appeal to the pathos and ethos of the viewer. Their art doesn’t just highlight the wild beauty of animals and surreal landscapes—it humanizes them by centering them as subjects. They help show why animals and their natural habitats are worth acknowledging, admiring, and, by extension, saving.

“Protecting America’s wildlife is incredibly important because it means healthy ecosystems that can be enjoyed by future generations,” Karim Iliya, National Geographic photographer & BBC Earth contributor. 

These storytellers also give us access to animals most of us will never see in person. They spotlight hundreds of well known species, but also dozens that may have otherwise remained unknown to us, made visible only through a lens.

Some use their art to center the animals themselves, while others depict them in their interactions with humans or man-made constructs. Those who are especially loud voices for conservation capture species affected by deforestation, plastic pollution, a warming Arctic, and other issues. Whether through showing this danger of human-led natural destruction, or by highlighting the landscapes that remain in pristine condition, these photographers prove to their audiences that we must preserve nature.

With hope, their message will extend to politicians who can create tangible change. Through the talent of these storytellers and the passion of all of us, we can encourage politicians to enact solutions for our future and the future of thousands of unique species across the planet.