I’ve just returned from Ovar, near Porto in Portugal where I did 3 days of talks about some of my conservation work I do at the Amigos do Cáster Festival – AMBID 2016. It is one of most important Conservation and Nature Photography Festivals in Portugal.
The event promoted the work of photographers, videographers, illustrators, researchers who are passionate about nature conservation. It was well organised, a great atmosphere and I really enjoyed the whole event and the wonderful work from all the speakers. You can see more information on them and their work on the following link.
My Talks –
Plight of the Sumatran Orangutans –
I spoke about the plight of the Sumatran orangutans and what is happening there due to palm oil, deforestation , climate change and emissions from the forest fires, poaching, and the the illegal pet trade, and showing the incredible work of the OIC in Sumatra.
I covered what is happening to the UK wildlife within my countryside- Raptor persecution, driven Red grouse shooting, Mountain hares slaughtered, Hen Harriers, waders being killed on moorlands found dead and much more .
On the Monday after the two day festival I was invited to a local school to talk to the students there about the importance of persevering our planet, the natural world and doing something to help wildlife before its too late.
I enjoy talking and inspiring the younger generation about the beauty of nature and the importance of protecting what is left. Afterwards I was interviewed for the school radio and spoke about the palm oil trade and the need to help all wildlife and what we have left before its gone.
The following slideshow I prepared for the students to get over my message that our planet is in trouble and doing nothing to help isn’t an option any longer.
It was a great few days as part of the Associação Amigos do Cáster festival, I met many wonderful people and listened to lots of inspiring talks and points of view about conservation, photography and much more.
Also it was really nice to return back to Portugal to talk about my conservation work and more so the Sumatran orangutans as I did in my previous visit there in 2014 for the sustainability conference in Lisbon.
In Novembers issue of the National Geographic magazine there is an article on the Sumatran orangutans and how they are trafficked and end up in the pet trade. The article is illustrated with my images which is amazing too see and great for these peaceful great apes and their cause.
Thank you to everyone from Associação Amigos do Cáster for inviting me and looking after me, I’ve had alot of laughs and great company. To everyone I met I wish you all well in the future with your work and the best of luck, thank you.