Kolkata: UK-India colab showcases wildlife and conservation through visual storytelling

The event held at the British Club Kolkata on Tuesday emphasised the importance of our fragile planet and the need to work more towards its conservation.

It focused on the role of wildlife photographers in capturing the movements of wildlife animals, studying their habitats and the effect of climate change and human influence on their existence.

Amit Sengupta, Head of Media Communications, British Deputy High Commission and Chair, Media Council, IBSA, engaged in a fireside chat with Dr. Somdutt Prasad, ophthalmologist and wildlife photographer, talking about the beauty of wildlife and the importance of conservation through his lens.

Dr Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India, said, “Photography and, by extension, film, is a powerful medium to capture different themes and inspire change."

"Wildlife is one such example and has been one vehicle of success for conservation for many of the world’s best-known species that have become endangered, including the Royal Bengal Tiger but this is the tip of the iceberg and threats to our natural world continue to mount."

"Plastic pollution, this year’s World Environment Day theme, is a scourge for land and sea creatures alike; some scientists predict that by 2050 there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish."

"So my message is we must do more to tell the stories of environmental impact in all our collective work and encourage more young people to follow in our footsteps," Dr. Fleming added.

Attending virtually, Simon Hill, President, Royal Photographic Society, UK, said, “For over 170 years, the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain has championed photography as a medium that informs, inspires and helps fashion public opinion.

Dr. Andrew Fleming speaking as Simon Hill, President, Royal Photographic Society UK (joined online). Photo: PR Team

"In an age of overwhelming ecological danger, the medium of photography has become one of the most powerful tools in the conservationist’s arsenal."

"From documenting environmental collapse to stirring empathy for endangered species, a single photograph can translate the most complex scientific realities into immediate emotional truths" which "transcends the barrier of language to have resonance with a global audience."

"At its most effective this doesn’t just bear witness; it galvanises action."

"Through its awards, its publications, and its bursaries, the Royal Photographic Society recognises, honours, and supports the globally important work of photographers who are causing the world to take notice and take action.”

Ophthalmologist and wildlife photographer Dr Somdutt Prasad said, "As a nature photographer, I endeavour to capture the raw beauty and fragility of our planet's creatures."

Amit Sengupta hosted a chat with Dr. Somdutt Prasad on wildlife photography and visual storytelling. Photo: PR Team

"We tell the story of different species in urgent need of conservation," and "on World Environment Day, we celebrate nature photography, which inspires action, raises awareness, and drives global efforts to protect biodiversity," Dr. Prasad concluded.