The VII Foundation Hosts Panel on Documenting Environmental Crises
A sunrise seen through the trees of Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique on September 10, 2023.
© Guerchom Ndebo.
On July 11, The VII Foundation in Arles hosted a timely and vital discussion titled "Documenting Environmental Crises: Repression, Resistance, Solutions." The event, held both in-person and online at 1700 CEST, brought together leading voices from the worlds of activism, conservation, filmmaking, and photojournalism to examine the intersection of environmental documentation and the growing repression of climate activism worldwide.
The panel featured:
Mathieu Asselin, social activist and artist
Sébastien Mabile, vice-president of the French committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Jacqueline Farmer, award-winning filmmaker
Guerchom Ndebo, VII Community member and documentary photographer
Moderated by Dr. David Campbell, the session addressed how visual storytelling can go beyond simply documenting climate-related destruction. The conversation emphasized the need for solution-oriented approaches in visual reporting — not only to highlight resistance movements but also to inform and inspire actionable change.
In an era marked by intensifying climate impacts and escalating threats to environmental defenders, the discussion called attention to the responsibilities and possibilities of media practitioners in shaping public understanding and advocacy.
Light refreshments were served at the venue, and remote participants were able to engage with the discussion via an online registration portal.
For more information on upcoming events or to view the recording, please visit The VII Foundation’s website.