Vital Impacts Unveils 2024-2025 Environmental Photography Grant and Mentorship Recipients: Honoring Icons of Conservation

Vital Impacts Unveils 2024-2025 Environmental Photography Grant and Mentorship Recipients: Honoring Icons of Conservation

Celebrating Transformative Voices in Environmental Storytelling

Vital Impacts proudly announces the recipients of our 2024-2025 Environmental Photography Grants and Mentorships, recognizing the powerful legacies of seven iconic environmental leaders. This year, we are distributing $50,000 in grants and offering ten transformative mentorships, empowering local photographers who are addressing critical environmental challenges in their communities.

The grants pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions of these conservation luminaries:

  • Dr. Jane Goodall – Awarded to Pat Kane (Yellowknife, Canada) for his project documenting Indigenous researchers striving to save a caribou herd on the brink of extinction, emphasizing their deep cultural connection to this vital species.

  • Dr. Sylvia Earle – Given to Sirachai “Shin” Arunrugstichai (Bangkok, Thailand), who will explore the alarming decline of sharks and rays in Southeast Asia and promote sustainable marine practices.

  • Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim – Awarded to Rehab Eldalil (Egypt) for her work on the Flora Field Guide, which documents native plants through cultural narratives threatened by urbanization and climate change.

  • Ian Lemaiyan – Granted to Sofía López Mañán (Argentina), who will highlight how isolated Chaco communities use honey production to combat deforestation and preserve their culture.

  • Chico Mendes – Received by Alessandro Cinque (Peru) for his project El Precio de la Tierra, examining the coexistence of Indigenous peoples and multinational mining operations across the Andes.

  • Madonna Thunder Hawk – Given to Chinky Shukla (New Delhi, India), who will document the sustainable agricultural practices of the Chakhesang tribe through their Zabo system.

  • E.O. Wilson – Awarded to Mélanie Wenger (France) for her project Saving the Amazon of Europe, focusing on the collaborative efforts to protect the biodiversity of the Danube Basin against climate threats. 


“This year’s recipients carry forward the legacies of remarkable advocates for our planet, illustrating how photography serves as a catalyst for awareness and action,” said Ami Vitale, Founder of Vital Impacts. “With 73% of the Earth’s wildlife lost in the past fifty years, the urgency to connect people with nature through powerful imagery has never been more critical.”

We are grateful to our judges Alessia Glaviano, Head of Global PhotoVogue and Director of the PhotoVogue Festival; Kathy Moran, former Deputy Director of Photography for National Geographic magazine and founding member of the International League of Conservation Photographers; Musuk Nolte, 2023 Vital Impacts Environmental Grant Winner and founder of KWY Ediciones; Azu Nwagbogu, Founder and Director of African Artists’ Foundation and Lagos Photo Festival; and Jennifer Samuel, International Photo Assignment Editor at The Washington Post, for their thoughtful selections. 

“The power of photography lies in its ability to transform abstract issues into relatable narratives,” commented Alessia Glaviano. “These projects are a testament to the impactful storytelling that can spur deeper connections and meaningful conversations about our planet.”

The Recipients of Our Mentorships

In addition to the grants, ten emerging photographers from diverse regions—including Brazil, Iran, and Nigeria—will participate in an intensive mentorship program designed to enhance their storytelling skills and artistic vision. The recipients are:

Over the span of twelve months, these individuals will have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one sessions with industry experts, renowned photographers, and influential photo editors. Through these sessions, participants will refine their storytelling skills, receive guidance on navigating the industry, and establish vital connections.

A Competitive Selection Process

With 512 applications submitted from seventy-nine countries, the selection process was highly competitive. We thank every applicant for sharing their powerful stories, reaffirming our commitment to amplifying voices that focus on humanity’s role in environmental preservation.

“Selecting the recipients was no easy task, given the strength of the submissions,” said Judge Alessia Glaviano. “Ultimately, we recognized projects that not only highlight critical environmental issues but also offer fresh perspectives and actionable solutions. It was a privilege to award these works, each of which blends visual artistry with a deep commitment to environmental activism. The photographers approached urgent global challenges with creativity and insight, offering more than just documentation—they provide hope for meaningful change.”

Vital Impacts will also host an online mentorship series for all 512 applicants, featuring discussions with leading photographers, editors, and scientists to equip them with the tools needed for success in a rapidly evolving industry.

We express our deep gratitude to our supporters, whose generosity allows us to uplift these vital global storytellers. We look forward to sharing their impactful journeys and stories throughout the coming year.

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