2026 Conservation Summit – Troubled Waters
Introduction to the Conservation Summit
The Xposure Conservation Summit unites photographers, conservationists, scientists, and storytellers to address critical environmental challenges. This annual gathering underscores the power of visual storytelling as a catalyst for change, inspiring action to protect our planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems and species. The summit fosters collaboration and innovation to tackle urgent conservation issues through engaging discussions, powerful imagery, and impactful presentations.
Overview of the 2026 Conservation Summit
For decades our oceans have been a buffer against climate change. As we navigate one of the warmest years on records have we finally pushed our safety net to the breaking point? Our ocean stewardship is one of contradictions; at the moment toxic algae is turning Australia’s coral reefs into a mass graveyard, French Polynesia has announced that it will protect its entire ocean territory, creating the world’s largest marine protected area.
Join a distinguished panel of ocean explorers and storytellers as they discuss the challenges of, and the urgent need, for marine conservation. National Geographic Explorers Brian Skerry, and Dr. Jenny Adler, Wildlife Photographer of the Year Shane Gross and Underwater Photographer of the Year Greg Lecoeur have documented the issues happening across all marine ecosystems. They have shared their experiences with audiences around the world as well as policy makers, community stakeholders and researchers to help shape a positive future for our oceans. Join us at Xposure as we explore hope and solutions for ocean conservation.
Keynote Speakers:
Brian Skerry is a renowned National Geographic Explorer and award-winning photojournalist who has spent decades documenting the beauty and fragility of the world’s oceans. His work combines visual storytelling with scientific insight to raise global awareness about marine conservation and the urgent need to protect threatened ecosystems.
Dr Jenny Adler is a National Geographic Explorer and conservation photographer who specialises in freshwater and marine science communication. With a PhD in interdisciplinary ecology, she uses photography and storytelling to connect scientific research with the public, inspiring action for the protection of aquatic environments.
Shane Gross, named Wildlife Photographer of the Year, is a Canadian photojournalist dedicated to highlighting marine conservation issues through powerful underwater imagery. His work focuses on coral reef decline, seagrass restoration, and human impacts on marine life, bringing these urgent stories to global audiences.
Greg Lecoeur, honoured as Underwater Photographer of the Year, is a French photographer celebrated for capturing striking images of marine biodiversity. His work brings attention to the wonders of the ocean while revealing the threats it faces, encouraging greater stewardship of marine ecosystems.
Date
- 02 Feb 2026
Time
- 11:00 - 11:40
Labels
- Panel Discussion
Location
Speakers
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Brian SkerryBrian Skerry is a documentary filmmaker and veteran photojournalist specializing in marine wildlife and underwater realms. Since 1998 Brian has been a contributing photographer for National Geographic Magazine, where he has created and photographed more than 30-feature stories, including 7 cover stories. His recent documentary film credits include Secrets of the Whales and Return of the White Shark, both currently streaming on Disney+. In 2021 Brian received the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary as producer of Secrets of the Whales.
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Jennifer AdlerJenny Adler, PhD, is a scientist turned photojournalist who specialises in underwater photography and science communication. With degrees in marine biology and interdisciplinary ecology, she documents the relationship between people and water in a changing climate. Her images have appeared in publications including HuffPost, Vox, and National Geographic. A trained freediver and cave diver, she brings rare access to fragile ecosystems. Jenny lectures in science journalism at Brown University and uses visual storytelling to make environmental research accessible and emotionally engaging.
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Shane GrossShane Gross is a Canadian conservation photojournalist known for his work in underwater photography and promoting ocean and freshwater conservation. His images highlight the beauty of underwater ecosystems while raising awareness about the threats they face. Shane is an Associate Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP) and co-founder of the Canadian Conservation Photographers Collective (CCPC). Shane was the Adult Grand Title Winner of the 2024 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, and his book Bahamas Underwater raises funds for ocean education and conservation programs in The Bahamas.
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Greg LecoeurGreg Lecoeur is an award-winning underwater photographer from Nice, France, who is celebrated for his evocative marine imagery and commitment to ocean conservation. His photographs, featured in National Geographic, GEO, and Le Figaro, capture the beauty and complexity of life beneath the waves. Named Nature Photographer of the Year by National Geographic in 2016, Greg leads expeditions across the globe, from Antarctica to the Mediterranean. Through exhibitions, books, and his NGO, We Are Méditerranée, he shares the urgent stories of the sea, fostering awareness and inspiring the protection of marine life.
Moderator
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Kathy MoranKathy Moran is a pioneering photo editor and a leading voice in conservation storytelling. As National Geographic’s first senior natural history editor, she shaped more than 350 stories. She helped guide landmark projects that led to real-world impact, including forming Gabon’s national park system. She now leads Moran Griffin, collaborating with photographers and institutions on powerful, purpose-driven narratives. A mentor, juror, and curator, Kathy continues to influence the field through her commitment to editorial excellence and the belief that photography can inspire lasting change.
