Kolkata: BDHC, IBSA shine spotlight on wildlife conservation and living planet through visual storytelling

The event 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 effect of climate change and human influence on their existence.  

Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India gave the keynote address. Simon Hill, President, Royal Photographic Society, UK joined the event virtually as the Guest of Honour.

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

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 on 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," Fleming said.

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. 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; the photograph transcends the barrier of language to have resonance and impact with a global audience. At its most effective, environmental and conservation photography 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," he said.

Subrata Paul, Chair, Presidents Council, IBSA said: “We are delighted to partner with British Deputy High Commission on putting the spotlight on our natural world to mark the World Environment Day this year. Dr Somdutt Prasad, a member of IBSA has lived and worked extensively in the UK and travelled the world for his wildlife photography."

Paul said: "His images are truly inspiring and capture the wildlife in their most intimate and fragile settings. We need to do more towards wildlife and nature conservation and photographers have a key role towards this collective goal.”

Ophthalmologist and wildlife photographer, Dr. Somdutt Prasad, who has lived extensively in the UK, said: “As a nature photographer I endeavour to capture the raw beauty and fragility of our planet's creatures."

"The photographers fieldcraft involves studying and understanding animal behaviour. We tell the story of different species, some endangered, threatened habitats, and the urgent need for conservation. On World Environment Day, we celebrate nature photography, which inspires action, raises awareness, and drives global efforts to protect biodiversity. By showcasing nature's wonders, we remind mankind "to save wildlife is to save ourselves—our shared home, our future," he said.