Young Creators Explore Nature Through a New Lens
Pontremoli, Italy just became the backdrop for an extraordinary gathering of young visionaries. From August 31 to September 5, UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and vivo wrapped their 2026 Capture the Future initiative in the lush landscapes of the Appennino Tosco Emiliano Biosphere Reserve. It’s one thing to talk about nature and another to live it—but these 15 young creators took on both challenges with a fresh pair of eyes and a vivo smartphone in hand.
More Than a Camp: Immersive Field Experiences
From the get-go, this initiative wasn’t about conducting another predictable workshop. It was a hands-on expedition into the depths of nature's canvas, inviting young storytellers from around the globe to paint their narratives. Imagine being handpicked from a pool of 745 submissions originating from 98 countries. That’s how you earn a ticket to Italy to dig into visual storytelling both independently and as part of a dynamic ensemble.
"The moment I captured my first scene, I understood the power of blending past reflections with future visions here at the Biosphere Reserves," Lea Meny from Germany reflects on her transformative experience.
The Year-long Odyssey of Capture the Future
The initiative kicked off in March 2026, launching a beacon for young visionaries to visually narrate the intersection of humanity and nature in UNESCO’s expansive biosphere network. This wasn't a slapdash event. It was a year-long, structured saga featuring capacity-building sessions stretching from Malaysia to Italy, touching over 600 minds eager to connect visuals with narratives.
- Global Call's High Engagement: 745 stories involving 120 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.
- Mentored Approach: Expertise from a cross-discipline team including vivo imaging expert Keshav Chugh and ZEISS Ambassador Solli Kanani.
- Distinct Personal Stories: Storytellers intertwined personal narratives with global nature-cultural themes.
Unlocking Cultural and Biodiversity Insights
Under the wings of renowned mentors, the young creators got more than just content on nature’s charm. They delved into the intertwined complexity of culture, tradition, and biodiversity. Known faces like award-winning director Marko Roth laid the groundwork for blending technical skills with soulful storytelling. The result? Original photo essays and films that don’t just rest in pixels but reverberate across continents, laying the path for a sustainable conversation.
"What touched me most was their curiosity, openness, and strong connection to their own places and communities," Solli Kanani, a mentor at the Co-Creation Camp, remarked.
Beyond Local Borders: A Growing Global Audience
So, what came of it? Well, the five-day adventure capped off with an exhibition that saw creations launched in front of local audiences in Italy. But the journey has legs—each story is now poised to travel far and wide, propelled by UNESCO and vivo's global platforms. There’s talk of a documentary in the works to bring even more attention to these budding storytellers and their remarkable blend of art and advocacy.
A Platform for Youth to Impact Future Conversations
In many ways, 'Capture the Future' did what it set out to do—forge a vibrant platform for young minds to converge, create, and collaborate on people-nature stories that speak to a larger and more sustainable future. These aren't just tales of picturesque landscapes; they're narratives intertwined with the urgent questions of cultural, ecological, and human coexistence. Expect these stories to echo in global discourse on sustainability for years to come.
