Cristina Mittermeier is a celebrated conservation photographer who has dedicated over three decades to raising awareness about the urgent need to protect the ocean. She has traveled to over 130 countries and all continents, documenting the stories of marine species and the nearly 1 billion people who depend on the ocean. Despite the dire environmental situation facing the oceans, Mittermeier remains optimistic and titled her latest book, “Hope.” Scheduled for release in the US in November, the book will be accompanied by an exhibition at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland next year.
Although Mittermeier has edited and co-authored multiple books, her latest project is only the second one that exclusively features her own photographs. This new book, described as an “artistic manifesto,” showcases over 100 images from her 30-year career, along with text that intertwines her personal narrative with impactful visual storytelling. The book includes a foreword by Robert Redford, who praises Mittermeier’s work as remarkable and important. Despite the challenges facing biodiversity and climate change, Mittermeier continues to use her art as a tool to inspire and advocate for ocean conservation.
For the past 14 years, Mittermeier has collaborated with her partner, photographer, and filmmaker Paul Nicklen, in their not-for-profit organization SeaLegacy. The organization’s mission is to bring together a diverse group of experts to engage in ocean conservation efforts globally. SeaLegacy has conducted numerous expeditions, documented hundreds of species, and captured millions of images, all aimed at promoting the protection of our oceans. Recently, the organization added a 62-foot sailing catamaran to its assets, which serves as a diving and filming platform for their projects.
Mittermeier and Nicklen travel the world to find and share stories of individuals and organizations making a positive impact on marine conservation. Their platform, which includes YouTube and Instagram, has attracted a combined following of nearly 9 million people. Additionally, the couple has partnered with the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, creating content that highlights important conservation efforts supported by the initiative. With the support of Rolex, Mittermeier and Nicklen have produced impactful films, with a new project in production focusing on an indigenous leader and climate activist in Panama.
Mittermeier believes that artists have a crucial role in driving positive change and inspiring others to join the fight for environmental conservation. She emphasizes the importance of approaching this critical issue with courage, positivity, and a commitment to finding solutions. By showcasing the beauty and importance of the ocean through her work, Mittermeier aims to make the conservation revolution irresistible, engaging a global audience in the urgent conversation around protecting the planet’s oceans. As she continues to advocate for ocean conservation, Mittermeier remains dedicated to using her art as a powerful tool for positive change.
