Art & Culture

Explore Abu Dhabi through Culture Conservation and Adventure

This year, Abu Dhabi will welcome the IUCN World Conservation Congress, bringing together thousands of delegates, organizations, and leaders from across the globe. I will be among them, joining conversations about protecting our planet’s oceans, lands, and biodiversity. Yet whether you are traveling for the Congress or simply visiting the capital of the United Arab Emirates for leisure, Abu Dhabi offers a unique mix of cultural heritage, modern architecture, desert landscapes, and thriving marine ecosystems.

In this article, I want to share a comprehensive rundown of what to see and do in Abu Dhabi, with a particular focus on environmental highlights and cultural gems. It is a city that has managed to balance its identity as a modern metropolis with its deep roots in Emirati tradition, while at the same time becoming a global leader in conservation initiatives. From world-class museums and breathtaking mosques to mangrove forests and vast deserts, Abu Dhabi offers something for every traveler.

Whether you have a single day of free time after your meetings, a long weekend to explore, or an entire week to soak in the experiences, this guide will walk you through the landmarks, the cultural traditions, and the environmental wonders that define Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi at a Glance

Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates that make up the UAE, and it serves as the country’s political and cultural capital. The city itself is located on an island just 250 meters off the mainland, connected by bridges and surrounded by over 200 natural and man-made islands. This geography gives Abu Dhabi direct access to the Arabian Gulf, making the sea central to its past as a hub for pearl diving and fishing, and its present as a leader in ocean conservation and blue economy initiatives.

The skyline of Abu Dhabi rivals any global city, with glass towers, luxury hotels, and innovative urban design. Yet beyond the polished exterior, there are vast mangrove forests, desert oases, and stretches of pristine beach. A short drive can take you from the bustle of the city center to the silence of the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest sand desert, or to the protected seagrass meadows where dugongs graze quietly below the surface.

Culturally, Abu Dhabi is deeply tied to Emirati traditions while also embracing global diversity. Hospitality is at the heart of local culture. Emirati food reflects the desert environment and Bedouin heritage, with rich use of spices, rice, dates, and slow-cooked meats. You will also find excellent international restaurants, thanks to the city’s diverse population. While seafood is common in local cuisine due to Abu Dhabi’s maritime history, there are abundant vegetarian and meat-based options that highlight the flavors of the region.

As a visitor, what stands out is how Abu Dhabi embodies contrasts that feel perfectly complementary: futuristic skyscrapers and ancient oases, luxury shopping malls and camel markets, coral reef restoration projects and centuries-old forts. It is this unique combination that makes Abu Dhabi such an exciting destination, whether your passion is conservation, history, or cultural immersion.

Cultural highlights to do and see in Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The most famous landmark in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and a symbol of the country’s vision. Commissioned by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, it was completed in 2007 and is one of the largest mosques in the world. White marble, inlaid semi-precious stones, and grand chandeliers create an atmosphere of beauty and serenity. Visitors are struck by the sheer scale and the sense of reverence. It is important to dress modestly when visiting, and to plan extra time to navigate the entrance through its underground shopping center.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

On Saadiyat Island, the Louvre Abu Dhabi offers an extraordinary art collection under an architectural dome designed by Jean Nouvel. The museum tells a story of human creativity across civilizations, bringing together masterpieces from East and West. Its floating structure, surrounded by the waters of the Gulf, is almost as much a reason to visit as the artworks themselves. For families, the Children’s Museum offers hands-on learning experiences, while for others the museum is a place of reflection and quiet discovery.

Qasr Al Watan

The Presidential Palace, Qasr Al Watan, only opened to the public in 2019 but has quickly become a highlight for visitors. Its halls are decorated with intricate designs, vast domes, and gleaming chandeliers. Beyond the spectacle, Qasr Al Watan is also a place of knowledge, showcasing the history of governance, presidential gifts, and a library of texts. It is one of the best places to understand the cultural values of the UAE while also enjoying an iconic view over the Etihad Towers.

Heritage Village

For a look into traditional Emirati life, the Heritage Village recreates a Bedouin camp, complete with camel corrals, artisans at work, and small exhibits on desert survival. Located on Marina Mall Island, it is a quick stop that offers valuable insight into how people lived before the discovery of oil transformed the region. Children especially enjoy the animal encounters and rides, making it an accessible family experience.

Qasr Al Hosn and the Cultural Foundation

Qasr Al Hosn, also known as the White Fort, is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi, dating back to the 18th century. Originally built around a freshwater well, the fort has been restored and now houses exhibits on Emirati traditions and crafts. Surrounded by skyscrapers, it feels like a portal to the past in the middle of a modern city. The nearby Cultural Foundation includes a children’s library, exhibitions, and events that showcase the ongoing vitality of Emirati culture.

Emirates Palace and Afternoon Tea

Emirates Palace, one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, is worth visiting even if you are not staying there. Its marble halls and gilded ceilings are impressive, but the real highlight for visitors is afternoon tea at the hotel’s café. Expect everything from delicate sandwiches to French pastries, scones, and even cappuccinos dusted with gold. It is a quintessential Abu Dhabi indulgence that feels like a cultural experience in itself.

Nature and Environmental Highlights

Jubail Mangrove Park

Just outside the city center lies Jubail Mangrove Park, a reminder that Abu Dhabi is home to one of the most important ecosystems in the Gulf. The park offers boardwalks through mangrove forests, kayaking tours, and observation points where visitors can spot herons, crabs, and fish. During high tide the water reflects a turquoise glow, while at low tide the exposed roots tell the story of how mangroves survive in saltwater. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in ecology or birdwatching.

Sir Bani Yas Island

Located 250 kilometers from the city, Sir Bani Yas Island is a protected wildlife reserve where over 17,000 animals roam freely. It is part safari, part conservation success story, with giraffes, cheetahs, and gazelles inhabiting the island. Visitors can explore by jeep, mountain bike, or horseback. The island also holds an ancient Christian monastery dating to the 7th century, a fascinating testament to the region’s diverse history. For travelers with time to spare, Sir Bani Yas is one of the most rewarding experiences in Abu Dhabi.

Saadiyat Island and Hawksbill Turtles

Saadiyat Island is not only home to luxury resorts and cultural attractions like the Louvre, it is also a nesting site for critically endangered Hawksbill turtles. Conservation programs have safeguarded nesting beaches and protected hatchlings, allowing visitors to witness one of the UAE’s most important biodiversity success stories. The island also offers pristine beaches and clear waters perfect for relaxation.

Desert Adventures

No visit to Abu Dhabi is complete without venturing into the Rub’ al Khali, or Empty Quarter, the largest sand desert in the world. Safari tours take visitors deep into the dunes for dune bashing, camel rides, stargazing, and overnight stays in desert camps. Beyond the thrill of the desert landscape lies an opportunity to reflect on the Bedouin traditions that grew out of this harsh environment.

Modern Attractions and Entertainment

Yas Island

Yas Island is the entertainment hub of Abu Dhabi. It includes Ferrari World, home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Yas Waterworld with its exhilarating slides, Warner Bros. World, and Yas Marina Circuit where Formula 1 fans can take a spin on the track. For families and adventure seekers, Yas Island is a guaranteed highlight. The island also boasts Yas Mall for shopping and Yas Beach for relaxation.

Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi — Ferrari World, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Observation Deck at 300

For sweeping views of the city, the Observation Deck at 300 in the Etihad Towers is unbeatable. Located on the 74th floor, it provides a 360-degree view over the city skyline, islands, and the Arabian Gulf. Pair the view with a coffee or afternoon tea, and you have one of the most scenic stops in Abu Dhabi.

Abrahamic Family House

Opened in 2023, the Abrahamic Family House is a unique complex that includes a mosque, a church, and a synagogue all within one space, symbolizing interfaith harmony. Each building shares a unified architectural language but with unique details. Visitors can book free entry and enjoy the gardens and café, making it a reflective cultural stop.

Shopping and Markets

Abu Dhabi is home to several major malls, including Yas Mall, The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, and Marina Mall. For a more traditional experience, head to the Souk Central Market, where you can shop for spices, textiles, and local crafts. It is a reminder that shopping in Abu Dhabi is not only about luxury brands but also about connecting with local heritage.

Itineraries for Abu Dhabi

One Day in Abu Dhabi

If you only have a single day between meetings or on a layover, focus on the essentials that combine culture, architecture, and a touch of nature.

Morning: Begin at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Midday: Head to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and enjoy lunch nearby.

Afternoon: Walk or kayak through Jubail Mangrove Park.

Evening: Watch the sunset from the Observation Deck at 300, then dine near the Corniche.

This balances Abu Dhabi’s religious, cultural, and environmental highlights.

Three Days in Abu Dhabi

Day 1 – Culture and Heritage: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, Qasr Al Hosn, and dinner at an Emirati restaurant.

Day 2 – Nature and Conservation: Jubail Mangrove Park in the morning, Saadiyat Island for the afternoon, Corniche stroll in the evening.

Day 3 – Adventure and Modernity: Yas Island for theme parks, shopping, and nightlife.

Al Ain Fort, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates — Al Ain Fort, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi

One Week in Abu Dhabi

Day 1: Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, Qasr Al Hosn.

Day 2: Louvre Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat beaches.

Day 3: Sir Bani Yas Island safari and monastery visit.

Day 4: Al Ain’s oases, forts, and archaeological sites.

Day 5: Yas Island for fun and leisure.

Day 6: Rub’ al Khali desert safari and overnight camp.

Day 7: Corniche walk, Heritage Village, afternoon tea at Emirates Palace, and final shopping.

Abu Dhabi’s Environmental Leadership and the IUCN World Conservation Congress

Abu Dhabi is not only a fascinating travel destination but also one of the most active global players in conservation and environmental sustainability. For those of us coming to the city for the IUCN World Conservation Congress, this context is inspiring. The emirate is determined to place itself at the forefront of marine and terrestrial conservation, showcasing what is possible when political will, science, and innovation align.

Protecting Marine Life

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has safeguarded thriving populations of dugongs and sea turtles. Today, Abu Dhabi is home to the second-largest dugong population in the world, with more than 3,500 individuals, including many calves. Sea turtle numbers have also climbed to over 7,900, thanks to nesting beach protection and marine protected area management. Whales, dolphins, and sharks have been recorded as well, reflecting the health of Abu Dhabi’s waters.

Restoring Coral Reefs and Blue Carbon Ecosystems

Abu Dhabi has committed to restoring four million coral colonies by 2030, while rehabilitating mangrove forests and seagrass meadows. These habitats act as powerful carbon sinks and nurseries for marine life. The Mangrove Alliance for Climate, launched here, has become a global platform for scaling restoration.

Innovation in Environmental Management

Technology is central to this success. Environmental DNA analysis, AI, and drones are used to monitor biodiversity. Abu Dhabi’s Sustainable Exploitation Index for fisheries rose from just 8.9 percent in 2018 to 97.4 percent by 2024, showing how policy reform and data can reverse decline.

Tackling Plastic Pollution and Water Scarcity

Since banning single-use plastic bags in 2022, Abu Dhabi has seen a 95 percent drop in consumption. Over 130 million plastic bottles have already been recovered for recycling. Meanwhile, the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative is funding global desalination innovation, offering $119 million in prizes to make clean water more affordable and sustainable.

Financing the Blue Economy

In 2025, First Abu Dhabi Bank issued the Gulf’s first Blue Bond, raising $50 million for marine and freshwater conservation. This signals the city’s ambition to direct global financial flows into nature-positive projects.

Showcasing Leadership Globally

All of these achievements have been presented on international stages, including the UN High-Level Political Forum in New York. The upcoming IUCN Congress in Abu Dhabi will give the emirate an even greater opportunity to share its model with the world.

Person leading a camel with tourists, Telal Resort - Abu Dhabi — Telal Resort, Abu Dhabi

For visitors to Abu Dhabi, the appeal is twofold. On one hand, it is a dynamic travel destination filled with stunning mosques, futuristic museums, desert adventures, and tranquil mangroves. On the other, it is a living laboratory of conservation, where coral is being restored, turtles and dugongs are thriving, and plastic pollution is being curbed.

If you are here for the IUCN World Conservation Congress, you will be surrounded not only by discussions of global environmental policy but also by local examples of what real progress looks like. If you are visiting for leisure, you will find yourself in a city that embodies the balance between modern living, cultural heritage, and respect for nature.

Abu Dhabi is proof that conservation and culture can thrive together. Whether you are here for a day, three days, or a week, you will leave with a deeper appreciation for the resilience of both people and ecosystems. And as you walk away from the Corniche at sunset or gaze at the desert stars, you will understand why this city has become a crossroads of tradition, modernity, and sustainability.

Giacomo Abrusci, SEVENSEAS

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Art & Culture

Sixteen days in Tunisia

*Bab Al-Bhar, the historic Sea Gate of Tunis, once opened directly onto the Mediterranean. Today, white colonial buildings stand where water once lapped at the city walls.*

Tunisia is named after Tunis. Not the other way around. If the country takes its name from the city, then any attempt to understand Tunisia must start in Tunis.

Before reading any further, look at a map. You must appreciate the exceptional location of Tunis; only then does the city make full sense. Historically, Tunis was little more than a compact nucleus pressed in the strip of land between the Séjoumi lagoon (a flamingo sanctuary) and Lake Tunis, once the natural harbour. Everything that now feels expansive, avenues, neighbourhoods, infrastructure, rests on land reclaimed from water. Bab Al-Bhar, the Sea Gate, crystallises this transformation: standing there today, flanked by white buildings, you have to imagine the water once visible straight through the gate. The city quite literally stole land from the sea as it expanded.

That tension between land and water, between natural geography and human intervention, repeats itself everywhere in Tunisia. An artificial peninsula appears in the ancient harbours of Carthage. Salt lakes replace vanished seas in Chott el Djerid. Urban coastlines are pushed back, fortified, paved over. Today, the landscape bears the marks of centuries of negotiation with water, sometimes reverent, sometimes violent. But let’s stay in the capital for a moment.

Visiting the medina (old town) on a Sunday, when most souks are closed, made the architecture audible. Without the commercial noise, proportions, light and texture take over; the business-day buzz is thrilling, but silence teaches you how the city breathes. That quiet also sharpens your attention to thresholds. And then the beauty of the doors hits you. Again and again. Painted, carved, symbolic, they demand to be read, often concealing unexpected worlds behind them. In the medina, access is never guaranteed: museums may still be family homes, so you knock, you wait and someone might let you in. Knowledge survives through generosity. This constant negotiation between private and public space explains why repurposing feels so natural here. People inhabit ancient burial sites, former shrines become cafés and even the old slave market has transformed into the jewellers’ quarter; history reused rather than erased. The twenty madrasas scattered through the medina embody this logic perfectly: still embedded in daily life, neither fully public nor entirely private, their doors test your luck. Finally stepping inside one felt unreal, courtyards opening suddenly, tiled interiors that seemed imagined rather than constructed. I honestly felt I was dreaming.

But don’t forget to look up, as architecture constantly communicates power, belief and belonging, often far more than we initially perceive. The green-tiled domes signalling burial places, the octagonal or patterned motifs minarets proclaiming variants of Islam (Ottoman and Almohad respectively) or the colour codes identifying hammams and barber shops all speak a visual language that locals instinctively read. In Tunis, belief is never private, it is inscribed into skylines and façades.

That inscription extends inward. Mosques feel less like austere institutions than wellness centres, spaces of rest, learning and calm. Mats are placed against ancient columns to shield people’s backs from the cool marble. I even witnessed people nap inside Al-Zaytuna. So much peace that you can sleep. How do churches compare?

*The courtyard of Al-Zaytuna Mosque in Tunis, built in the seventh century with repurposed Roman columns. The Great Mosque remains the spiritual and commercial heart of the medina.*

Al-Zaytuna itself is the city’s anchor, the Great Mosque. The souks grew around it, originally as little more than rented awnings, now covered streets wrapping commerce around devotion. You walk through trade and suddenly stumble into the sacred. Built in the seventh century, shortly after the Islamic conquest of Byzantine Africa, the mosque stands on layers of belief. While it is likely that a temple existed here since antiquity, legend says it was built on the shrine of Saint Olive of Palermo. “Zaytuna” means olive, in Arabic and in Spanish. Language preserves memory even when stones are repurposed. Indeed, the entire prayer hall is held by a forest of Roman columns and capitals, older worlds literally supporting newer ones.

As a Spaniard, Tunisia had many a surprise in store for me. Rue des Andalous reveals one of Tunisia’s most consequential migrations. During the Middle Ages, much of Spain was Muslim. Forced conversions, expulsions and finally the mass expulsion even of Moriscos (former Muslims converted to Christianity) in 1609 drove tens of thousands across the sea. Spain was Al-Andalus in Arabic and so these Spaniards became known as “Andalusians”. Large numbers settled in Tunisia, founding neighbourhoods and entire industries. That legacy is not abstract. Chechias, the characteristic red felt hats associated with Tunisois men, were produced using techniques brought by Andalusian refugees. By the nineteenth century, chechia makers were among the wealthiest and most influential merchants in Tunis. The Tunis souks where you can still watch them work are living archives of forced migration turned cultural inheritance. Indeed, the link with Al-Andalus is still emotionally present. Several people called me “cousin” when I told them I was Spanish. It did not feel metaphorical. It felt familial. Spanish presence resurfaces repeatedly: forts at La Goulette, inscriptions in Castilian, Andalusian refugees founding towns like Testour, where the mosque clock runs backwards (‘anticlockwise’) like Arabic script. Jewish and Muslim Spaniards built whole towns together after fleeing persecution. They brought urban planning, architecture, food and memory.

*The ribat of Monastir, a fortified Islamic monastery, now separated from the Mediterranean by a modern coastal road. The ancient fortress once stood directly on the beach.*

Non-human animals are also everywhere if you know where to look, silently narrating human history. Today, cats dominate Tunis, lounging, glamorous, fully at home in the city. But North Africa was once also home to another feline: lions, ultimately erased from the landscape by hunting. At the Bardo museum, Roman mosaics celebrate them while also depicting their mass slaughter in amphitheatres. Venationes (gladiatorial hunting shows) paved the way to extinction long before modern poaching. Rome’s “games” were ecological disasters disguised as entertainment. El Djem boasts the third largest amphitheatre in the world, an uncomfortable reminder that the spectacle of violence against animals became industrial. Birds, too, mark survival. Storks now nest on electrical poles, thanks to recent conservationist efforts, and the ancient castle on the artificial Chikly island in Lake Tunis is now a natural reserve for over fifty-seven species.

Water management reveals another continuity of power. Ancient Carthage was defined by water engineering. Artificial harbours, commercial and naval, remain legible after 2,200 years. Aqueducts carried water across vast distances; cisterns stored enough to sustain one of the Mediterranean’s largest cities. Fresh water was sacred. Springs, such as that at Zaghouan, were divine. Nymphs were believed to guard the source so temples rose where water emerged from the rock. But human transformations of the landscape sometimes rival natural phenomena. Chott el Djerid, now a salt desert, was once part of the Mediterranean Sea. When geological shifts cut it off, the water evaporated, leaving salt behind. The salt is now actively extracted and shipped north, sold to Scandinavian countries as grit to combat icy roads. At the same time, visions of reversing this desiccation persist, from colonial-era schemes to the revival of the “Sahara Sea” project in the 2010s, approved by the Tunisian state in 2018. Coastlines have also been shaped by humans. Hammamet’s medina once met the waves directly. Boulders and walkways intervened. Monastir’s ribat once stood on the beach before roads severed it from the sea. Sousse’s medina now violently cut away from the Mediterranean. Tunisia has never stopped imagining how to reshape water.

The medina walls of Hammamet meet a rocky breakwater constructed to protect the coastline. Where waves once touched ancient stone, boulders now buffer the historic town from the sea.

A fisherman wades through the ancient Punic harbours of Carthage, still in use after 2,200 years. The artificial basins, once home to Carthaginian naval and merchant fleets, now serve local fishing communities. — The medina walls of Hammamet meet a rocky breakwater constructed to protect the coastline. Where waves once touched ancient stone, boulders now buffer the historic town from the sea.

Just as water and animals shape human settlement, so too does climate. Again and again in Tunisia, habitation reveals extraordinary adaptation to environment. At the ancient site of Bulla Regia, houses were built partly underground to escape heat, flooding interior spaces with light while sheltering them from extremes. At Matmata, troglodyte dwellings carved into the earth have stabilised temperature in a harsh desert landscape for centuries. At Zriba Olia, a town only abandoned decades ago, Amazigh (Berber) architecture merges seamlessly with mountain rock: the house ends, the mountain begins. Even the Roman theatre at Dougga takes perfect advantage of the mountain’s elevation. These are not picturesque oddities; they are intelligent, time-tested responses to landscape. But changes aren’t always benign, especially when colonial brutality is concerned. In Carthage, Roman policy deliberately buried, erased and levelled the Punic past on Byrsa Hill. Centuries later, French authorities turned amphitheatres into chapels, erected cathedrals atop Punic acropolises and even built a farmhouse on the Roman capitol at Oudna. Layers of civilisation were literally crushed to assert dominance. The irony is that archaeology eventually resurrected what imperial ideology tried to annihilate.

An underground villa at Bulla Regia, the ancient Roman city where homes were built below ground level to escape North African heat. Roman columns frame a sunken courtyard still preserving intricate floor mosaics.

A traditional troglodyte dwelling in Matmata, where Amazigh families have carved homes into the earth for centuries. The sunken courtyard design provides natural climate control in Tunisia's arid south. — An underground villa at Bulla Regia, the ancient Roman city where homes were built below ground level to escape North African heat. Roman columns frame a sunken courtyard still preserving intricate floor mosaics.

Language binds all of this astonishing diversity together. Phoenician (Punic) script underpins our Latin alphabet. Tifinagh survives among Amazigh communities. Writing systems are fossils of contact. Even humour reveals linguistic layering: Tunisians seem to have the worst, and best, wordplay, producing gems like “Pub-elle”, “Bar Celone” or “Mec Anic”, jokes cleverly built on French that land perfectly in Tunisian streets. Religion, too, refuses neat boundaries. Phoenician deities merge with Egyptian, Persian and Roman gods. Judaism flourished in North Africa from antiquity and remained deeply rooted in Tunisia until the twentieth century. Christianity arrived early, fractured into multiple denominations and left basilicas, cathedrals and martyrs’ narratives across the landscape. Islam absorbed, adapted and reinterpreted what came before. Syncretism is not the exception here, it is the rule.

By the end, what remains clearest is this: Tunisia is not a palimpsest with erased layers. It is an accumulation where nothing disappears entirely. Former seas leave salt. Empires leave infrastructure. Migrations leave words, recipes, and cousins!

Sixteen days is nothing.
And it was everything.

Written by: Fernando Nieto-Almada

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fernando read History at university in London and Paris and currently teaches Languages. You can follow him on Instagram here.

Art & Culture

“Patagonia National Park,” Book by Rewilding Chile

Patagonia National Park is one of Chile’s most important ecological restoration or rewilding projects. It consists of the former Tamango and Jeinimeni reserves and the Chacabuco Valley, a sector that was donated by Tompkins Conservation to the State of Chile in 2018 and which was formerly one of the largest cattle ranches in the country.

To highlight and celebrate the work done in the Aysén region, where today the community can enjoy and connect with this protected area, where species and ecosystems are gradually regaining their place, the book “Patagonia National Park” was published.

The book’s photographs and stories are dedicated to the diverse landscapes of Patagonia National Park, encompassing forests, glaciers, and steppe, as well as the park’s wild inhabitants and the efforts being made to recover healthy populations of endangered species such as the huemul, rhea, puma, and Andean condor. Most of the images are by the prominent photographer Linde Waidhofer, while the texts were written by various personalities such as Yvon Chouinard, founder of the outdoor clothing brand Patagonia, a close climbing friend of Douglas Tompkins; environmental figures such as Marcelo Mena, and Juan Pablo Orrego, as well as the words of former president Michelle Bachelet, in the prologue.

In the summer of 1994, while Douglas and Kristine Tompkins were traveling through Patagonia, marveling at the beauty of the Aysén steppe, they camped on the banks of the Chacabuco River: “We imagined that such an extraordinary place should be protected forever; it was like nothing we had ever seen before,” said Kristine, co-founder of Rewilding Chile, at the time. Twelve years later, with the President of the Republic, Michelle Bachelet, she signed the decree to create the Patagonia National Parks Network, a public-private strategic vision of ecosystem conservation, which seeks to promote the economic development of local communities based on responsible nature tourism. At this milestone, the creation of the new Patagonia National Park was also announced.

Today, Kristine Tompkins presents to the community a book that brings together profound reflections with beautiful images of the park, which take you on a journey through this area at different moments in its history and give an account of the efforts made to restore this ecosystem. In its 276 pages, it brings together texts by 18 contributors who talk about the geological history of the park, the human settlement of the valley, the infrastructure developed for public access in the park, the change from a cattle ranch into a national park, its rich wildlife, the restoration actions to restore the park, the history of the park, the history of the park, the history of the park and the efforts made to restore the ecosystem.
The book contributes to the conservation of the ecosystem, among other topics.

For Carolina Morgado, executive director of Rewilding Chile, a legacy foundation of Tompkins Conservation, this book reinforces the concept that national parks are the jewels of a country where everyone is welcome. “With this book, we seek to bring the natural heritage closer to readers from different corners of the planet, to raise awareness about how nature can heal when we give it the space to do so,” concludes Carolina Morgado.

“Con este libro, buscamos acercar el patrimonio natural, a los lectores de diversos rincones del planeta, para generar conciencia sobre cómo la naturaleza puede sanar, cuando le damos el espacio para hacerlo” Carolina Morgado, directora ejecutiva Rewilding Chile

About the park

Patagonia National Park covers 304,000 hectares, where the former Lake Jeinimeni National Reserve and the former Tamango National Reserve were merged with the lands of the Estancia Valle Chacabuco, donated by Tompkins Conservation.

The most important features include the plant formations of the Patagonian steppe of Aysén, which is at its maximum expression in this area. Also noteworthy are the large extensions of Patagonian Andean forests present in the high and foothill sectors associated with bodies of water, which mainly contain three species of the beech genus (Nothofagus): the lenga, the ñire, and the coigüe. Rainfall can reach 200 millimeters a year, producing dense, nutrient-rich forests. These forests are home to 370 types of vascular plants, which are vital to the survival of the surrounding fauna.

Patagonia National Park is home to and protects the highest levels of biodiversity found in Aysén. All of the region’s native species are present, from Andean condors to guanacos and pumas. The park also protects large tracts of habitat for the endangered huemul, an iconic species part of Chile’s national coat of arms.

DOWNLOAD THE BOOK “PATAGONIA NATIONAL PARK”

Art & Culture

Cultural Heritage Included in the COP30’s Ocean Action Agenda for the First Time

The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil had a
theme of “Forests to Sea” that recognized the interconnectedness of these two vital
ecosystems.

For the first time, in a significant milestone for international climate policy, culture and
heritage was formally recognized within the framework of the UN climate negotiations
under the “Fostering Human and Social Development” axis of the Global Climate Action
Agenda. This inclusion extended to the Ocean Action Agenda, integrating the human
and social dimensions of marine environments into the global conversation on climate
adaptation and use culture-based solutions for climate action.

Five new cultural heritage indicators were adopted as part of the 59 “Belém Adaptation
Indicators” for measuring progress against the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA). These
indicators measure adaptation implementation for tangible and intangible heritage,
digitization, emergency preparedness, and community engagement, including
Indigenous knowledge and practices.

The new focus emphasizes that the ocean is not only a natural resource but also a
significant cultural space that shapes identities and livelihoods, particularly for coastal
and island communities.

The COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion hosted wide-ranging events – 2,500 registrations by
delegates representing 150+ countries fostering dialogue among leading voices
worldwide. Here are four of the art shows that were registered at the COP30 Virtual
Ocean Pavilion.

1. Paradise by Ian Hutton and Selva Ozelli for Lamont-Doherty Earth
Observatory of Columbia University

The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) is a world-renowned research
institution within Columbia University’s Climate School, founded in 1949 to study Earth’s
natural systems. LDEO scientists were among the first to map the seafloor, provide
proof for the theory of plate tectonics, continental drift and develop a computer model
for predicting El Niño events. LDEO’s research covers everything from formation of the
Earth and Moon, as well as the movement of carbon and other materials through Earth’s systems from its atmosphere through land via seismic activity, plate tectonics, tree ring
analysis to rivers and oceans to identify climate shifts and changes.

The LDEO’s Forests to Sea themed research and exhibits Art Meets Science for COP30
feature the interconnectedness of these two vital ecosystems through art and science
to encourage the expression of original ideas that have long, and transformative
impact. Professor Steven Goldstein, the Interim Director at LDEO, notes that “Science
and art share many common characteristics. The essence of science is to use our
imagination with observation and logic to comprehend the world around us, how it is,
was, and possibly will be, while art is also the expression of our imagination about what
is, was, or might be.” He has encouraged using art and science together to
communicate to the broad public the critical role of geoscience in our understanding of
how our planet works, which must serve as the basis for finding solutions to the climate
crisis.

Paradise by Ian Hutton and Selva Ozelli – COP30 Digital Ocean Pavilion

Ian Hutton explained the impact of ocean warming on seaslugs featured in his
exhibition at LDEO titled “Paradise” with Selva Ozelli which was registered at the
COP30 Digital Ocean Pavilion “Since 2013, Prof. Stephen Smith (Aquamarine
Australia) and I (Lord Howe Island Museum) have been hosting a Sea Slug Census
program a long-running citizen science project that has spread across Australia, and to
sites in Indonesia and Vanuatu, with more than 4,000 participants photographically
documenting the distribution of over 1,100 species to date. This program uses public
contributions to document sea slug distribution, providing valuable data on how these
seaslug populations are changing due to ocean warming.”

2. Healing Waters by Selva Ozelli for Global Ocean Development Forum

The main “Global Ocean Development Forum” (GODF) for 2025 took place in Qingdao,
China, bringing together nearly 700 guests from 68 countries and regions gathered to
discuss pressing ocean issues, including marine economy, technology, and ecology.
The forum’s agenda addressed a wide range of cutting-edge topics spanning
sustainability, innovation, and more, all in an effort to secure the seas for present and
future generations. An ocean-themed art exhibition was held during this conference at
the Lixian Art Museum, Shandong which featured three paintings from Selva Ozelli’s
“Healing Waters” series that was a registered COP30 Ocean Pavilion event.

The “Healing Waters” art show by Selva Ozelli is a series of exhibitions focused on
environmental conservation and the rehabilitation of threatened water bodies, of the
Chesapeake Bay, which is the largest estuary in the US and a National Treasure. Its
64,000-square-mile watershed encompasses one of the most economically significant
regions of the United States. It is protected by the landmark Chesapeake Bay
Watershed Agreement (adopted in 2014, amended in 2020) that calls for, among other
things, conservation and restoration of the treasured water, sea, and landscapes with
participation from six states – New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland,
Delaware, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Unfortunately in the 1970s, the Chesapeake Bay was found to contain one of the
planet’s first identified marine dead zones, where waters were so depleted of oxygen
that they were unable to support life, resulting in massive fish kills including the extinct
Darter Fish which is the focus of my “Healing Waters” series, so we collectively work
towards avoiding marine dead zones in our world.

Healing Waters by Selva Ozelli – COP30 Digital Ocean Pavilion

3. Ocean & River Lovers by Selva Ozelli for Havre de Grace Maritime Museum

The “Ocean & River Lovers” art show by Selva Ozelli, an ambassador to Oceanic
Global is a series of exhibitions presented globally at the United Nations Conferences
and museums to raise awareness about the climate change and plastic pollution crisis
affecting oceans and rivers.

The artwork, which includes paintings of angel fish, and discus fish, draws attention to
how marine life and ecosystems are harmed by warming waters, and pollution.

The show is part of a larger body of work endorsed by the UNESCO Ocean Decade and
cataloged by the United Nations, Tokyo Metropolitan Museum, and Berlin University of
Art.

Selva Ozelli explained why she focused on Amazon rivers’ Discus Fish in her Ocean &
River Lovers exhibition for Havre de Grace Maritime Museum registered at the COP30
Digital Ocean Pavilion “The Amazon River is home to the vibrant, disk-shaped cichlids
known as discus fish (Symphysodon spp.) These colorful fish are native to the Amazon
River basin and its tributaries, where they are typically found in slow-moving, heavily
wooded areas. They prefer warm, soft, acidic, and highly oxygenated clean waters.

Discus fish thrive on a diet rich in protein, which they forage in their specific habitats.
However, their delicate ecosystem is under threat. Climate change and the ongoing
deforestation of the Amazon directly harm these beautiful fish by destroying their
habitat, reducing their food sources, and ruining their breeding grounds.“

Ocean & River Lovers by Selva Ozelli – COP30 Digital Ocean Pavilion

4. NY’s Lighthouses by Semine Hazar and Barbara Todd for National
Lighthouse Museum

The “NY’s Lighthouses” series is by oil artist Semine Hazar and Hudson Valley
photographer Barbara Todd that celebrates Lighthouses of New York, the birthplace of
the US environmental movement, which are recognized landmarks with symbolic and
aesthetic qualities, including distinct architectural characteristics located in picturesque
settings.

The exhibition highlights important aspects of the region’s past, capturing New York’s
coastal landscapes and maritime history, as once these lighthouses played a crucial
role in the region’s maritime history, guiding ships and enabling trade and transportation.
And its adaptation to technological advances with a strong connection to the Hudson
River School, America’s first art movement, which celebrated the beauty of New York
and its surrounding landscapes that are an integral part of ongoing preservation efforts
the National Lighthouse Museum is actively involved in.

NY’s Lighthouses by Semine Hazar and Barbara Todd – COP30 Digital Ocean Pavilion