Exhibition of the Environmental Photography Award in Rome

On Tuesday, 19 May 2026, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation inaugurated the photographic exhibition Uomo – Natura: Equilibri Fragili (Man and Nature: Fragile Balances) at the Orto Botanico di Roma, the botanical garden operated by the Sapienza University of Rome. The exhibition brings to the Italian capital the winning images of the five previous editions of the Foundation’s Environmental Photography Award.

The exhibition was launched with an inaugural conference entitled Biodiversity Conservation: Challenges and Opportunities for the Future, bringing together representatives of institutions, scientists and conservation experts to explore current priorities in biodiversity protection.

The event opened with welcome remarks from Marco Colasanti, President of the Italian branch of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation; H.E. Mrs Anne Eastwood, Monaco’s Ambassador to Italy; Eugenio Gaudio, President of Fondazione Roma Sapienza; Fabio Attore, Director of the Orto Botanico di Roma; and Sergio Pitamitz, conservation and wildlife National Geographic contributing photographer and Contest Chairman of the Environmental Photography Award.

Following a tour of the exhibition led by Sergio Pitamitz, the conference opened at the botanical garden’s orangery with opening remarks from Marco Colasanti, and institutional greetings from Irene Baldriga, Associate Professor of the Sapienza University of Rome; Romain Ciarlet, CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation; and Eugenio Gaudio, President of Fondazione Roma Sapienza.

The event featured a discussion with leading experts, including Piero Genovesi from the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, who addressed the return of wolves and bears populations in Italy and the challenge of coexistence; Marco Oliverio of the Sapienza University of Rome, who spoke on modern biodiversity inventories for conservation; Danilo Mollicone of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, who presented a feeding solution designed to support reforestation by encouraging birds to disperse tree seeds; and Sergio Pitamitz shared his story about the bald ibis featured in the latest issue of National Geographic. The sequence was animated by Fabio Attore.

“This exhibition stems from a desire to foster a concrete reflection on the relationship between humankind and nature, moving beyond ideological divides and instead promoting a culture of responsibility, protection and balance. Today, more than ever, we have a duty to address these issues with pragmatism, ethical sensitivity and the ability to turn awareness into tangible action on the ground.” declared Marco Colasanti, President of the Italian branch of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

The Environmental Photography Award was established in 2021 by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to honour photographers who raise awareness about environmental protection and to amplify the impact of their work through a touring exhibition and dedicated publication. The award serves a dual purpose: to celebrate the extraordinary beauty of our planet and to spotlight the environmental challenges we face, through five thematic categories — “Polar Region”, “Forests”, “Ocean”, “Humanity vs. Nature” and “Changemakers”.

“Photography has the power to make visible what is too often overlooked: the fragility of ecosystems, the beauty of biodiversity and the urgent need to protect the living world. By bringing the Environmental Photography Award to Rome, in the exceptional setting of the Orto Botanico, we wish to offer the public not only an artistic experience, but also an invitation to reflect and to act. This exhibition embodies the Foundation’s conviction that awareness is a first step towards lasting commitment,” said Romain Ciarlet, CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

An exhibition of the 2021 edition of the Environmental Photography Award had already been shown in Rome, Piazza del Campidoglio, reflecting the interest of the Italian branch of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation in bringing the Award’s message to new audiences and strengthening public engagement. Following its presentation at the Orto Botanico di Roma, the Uomo – Natura: Equilibri Fragili exhibition will continue its journey across Italy in the coming months, beginning with Castel Gandolfo in July.

The event was organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, its Italian branch, and Fondazione Roma Sapienza, under the patronage of the Monaco Embassy in Italy, and with the support of the Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Museale Sapienza Cultura, Delta Ingegneria and Fondazione Scudieri.

Practical Information
Exhibition: Uomo – Natura: Equilibri Fragili
Dates: 20 May to 30 June 2026
Venue: Orto Botanico di Roma, Largo Cristina di Svezia 23A, Rome
Website: www.fpa2photoaward.org
Instagram: fpa2.photoaward

©Mauro Salvatori