Taman Safari Promotes Conservation Education Through Wildlife Photography
Photography and videography of wildlife are increasingly being positioned as a medium for conservation education that involves public participation. This approach has been reinforced through the organisation of the International Animal Photo & Video Competition (IAPVC) 2026, which marks its 35th year.
The competition, organised by Taman Safari Indonesia Group this year, features the theme “From Lens to Legacy”, emphasising the role of visual works not merely as documentation, but as a means of building awareness and creating a legacy of knowledge regarding wildlife conservation.
Board Advisory member of Taman Safari Indonesia Group, Agus Santoso, stated that over the past 35 years, IAPVC has evolved into a platform for disseminating conservation messages through a broader visual approach.
“Entering its 35th year, this competition carries the theme ‘From Lens to Legacy’. This theme illustrates how photographic and videographic works can be more than mere visual documentation, but also carry meaningful messages. Each image has the power to inspire and create a legacy of awareness for future generations,” he said during the launch of IAPVC 2026 at Taman Bendera Pusaka, Jakarta, on Saturday (23 May).
Beyond the competition, organisers have also introduced the IAPVC Photography Community as a new space for wildlife and nature photography enthusiasts. The community is expected to serve as a collaborative forum for photographers, videographers, and wildlife enthusiasts to share their work and strengthen conservation messages through visual media.
“At this launch, we are also officially establishing the IAPVC Photography Community as part of IAPVC’s long journey, which has grown and developed over many years. The presence of this community becomes a forum for wildlife and nature photography enthusiasts to continue creating, sharing inspiration, and strengthening conservation messages through visual storytelling,” he said.
The IAPVC 2026 programme will also include various educational initiatives, ranging from photography workshops in schools and universities to international-scale wildlife photo and video competitions. These programmes are designed to broaden the involvement of younger generations in wildlife conservation issues through creative approaches.
All submitted works will be evaluated by a panel of judges comprising wildlife photographers, filmmakers, and conservation advocates, before concluding with an awards ceremony for winners.
In this year’s competition, IAPVC has also expanded participant reach to Southeast Asia and Australia. This move is considered to strengthen the competition’s position as one of the growing international wildlife photography and videography competitions.
Nine categories have been opened in this year’s wildlife photography competition to showcase a diverse range of visual approaches and storytelling techniques. With a journey spanning more than three decades, IAPVC is positioned not merely as a visual competition, but as a meeting place between art, education, and conservation that encourages broader public participation in wildlife preservation.