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Cover & banner photos: Snow leopard in in Tibet by Behzad J Larry

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Since 2004, SEVENSEAS Media has fostered an informal and non-partisan platform to promote understanding of key issues and challenges while building partnerships across an increasingly diverse group of marine conservation professionals and students.

Our mission is to promote communication and build partnerships across the global marine community and to identify and address gaps in the community’s work. SEVENSEAS Media achieves this through multimedia promotion and partnerships. The community consists of a diverse and growing group of participants, including non-governmental organizations, government agencies, foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, fellowship programs, independent consultants, and academia/students.

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By Selva Ozelli

It is fitting that after  2024 was confirmed as the hottest year on record, the United Nations (UN) declared 2025 the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, accompanied by the proclamation that March 21st of each year would be celebrated as World Day for Glaciers starting in 2025.

The hottest year on record, breaching the first year-long global warming threshold of  1.5°C, a key target set in the Paris Agreement, also witnessed the 150^ᵗʰ year anniversary of the birth of artist Nicholas Roerich, who is known as “The Master of the Himalayan Mountains.” The Himalayas ⎯ the focus of Nicholas Roerich’s artwork ⎯ have approximately 15,000 glaciers that are melting and could lose as much as 80% of their mass by the end of the century as the Earth’s temperature rises, according to projections. The Himalayan glaciers are a vital source of water for the region’s rivers and communities of 1.65 billion people.

As the planet gets hotter, scientists warn that this signifies a potential “frightening new phase” and increased risks of severe climate change impacts, with our glaciers shrinking, making the water cycle and the currents in the oceans slower and more unpredictable according to studies. Glaciers are crucial for regulating the global climate and providing about 70% of the world’s freshwater. However, for billions of people, meltwater flows are changing, causing floods, droughts, landslides and sea level rise, subjecting countless communities and ecosystems to the risk of devastation.

Four art shows by award winning artists Alfons Rodriguez, Photographer and Filmmaker (Spain), Fatma Kadir (Turkiye), Semine Hazar (Turkiye) Selva Ozelli (USA) at the UN draw attention to the need to protect glaciers, during the high-level inaugural World Day for Glaciers and World Water Day events taking place at the UN in New York and Paris on 20-21^ᵗʰ March 2025.

The Melting Age by Alfons Rodriguez & Fatma Kadir at The National Lighthouse Museum (NLHM), Staten Island, NY

The National Lighthouse Museum (NLHM), which educates visitors about the history and technology of the nation’s lighthouses, will host its first Climate change-themed art show titled ”The Melting Age” from March 15^ᵗʰ to June 1^st, 2025, to celebrate the year of glaciers.

The Melting Age art show  is made up of  a film, by Alfons Rodriguez and Jose Bautista (Spain); photographs from 7 continents and 30 countries by Alfons Rodriguez (Spain); as well as oil paintings by Fatma Kadir (Turkiye) that depict the impact of Climate Change on our world.

“From hot to cold. It all seems like a grotesque game we force ourselves to play. This is unprecedented lunacy. In Greenland and Antarctica, melting ice caused by warming makes the planet’s sea levels rise, while cooling ocean currents influence wildlife and ecosystems. An excess of salt water contrasts with the waste of scarce drinking water aquifers: we use four liters of water to make one plastic bottle containing the same liquid, and this is quite a moderate proportion compared to other products.  I thank the NLHM, Teiduma and Climate Heritage Network, and the UN for their support in bringing the Melting Age art show to the public during the glacier year. The Melting Age will be on exhibit at the tail end of the year during November and December at the Cunneen Hackett Art Center in Poughkeepsie, NY,” explained photographer and filmmaker Alfons Rodriguez.

Where Worlds Meet – Glaciers by Alfons Rodriguez and Fatma Kadir at the HMVC Gallery, NYC

On March 21^st, 2025  the Inaugural World Day for Glaciers, the HMVC Gallery in NYC will hold a 24 hour digital art show of their “Where Worlds Meet” exhibition which will include the mixed media Glaciers art work by photographer Alfons Rodriguez and artist Fatma Kadir at the jumbotron at Times Square, NYC  located at 7^ᵗʰ Avenue between 47ᵗʰ – 46^ᵗʰ Streets.

“I am so excited that out mixed media art work titled Glaciers with Alfons will be seen by so many New Yorkers in Times Square on the first World Day for Glaciers. I thank HMVC Gallery, the Climate Heritage Network, the UN for their support in launching the Where Worlds Meet art show on March 21^st. It is a truly historic day, a historic event” said artist Fatma Kadir.

The Lighthouse at the End of the World, by Semine Hazar for CUHK Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change in Hong Kong

Semine Hazar an award-winning oil artist of lighthouses explained “The inspiration behind my painting “The Lighthouse at the End of the World” was my trip to Argentina in 2017 when I firsthand witnessed the melting of the ice and with a great sound crash into the sea. This brought tears to my eyes. This lighthouse marks the last inhabitable point in South America. I imagined that soon we would be moving this lighthouse to the Antarctic. The Lighthouse at the End of the World painting is on exhibit at the world’s first climate change museum CUHK Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change in Hong Kong. Later this year I will exhibit my “Lighthouses of the Hudson River” series during the year of Glaciers at the Cunneen Hackett Art Center in Poughkeepsie, NY from July to August followed by the National Lighthouse Museum Staten Island, NY from September to December 2025. I thank all museums, the Climate Heritage Network, and the UN for their unwavering support to bring my work to the public.”

Orcas & Glaciers by Selva Ozelli for CUHK Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change

“I made the Orcas & Glaciers art show for the world’s first climate change museum the CUHK Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change in Hong Kong (MoCC) which launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29). I contacted Cecilia Lam the Director of MoCC and asked her if she would be interested in an art show about the trapped pods of around a dozen orca whales by drift ice in waters off Japan’s northern island which I read about in the news during February of 2024. I was so upset painting these trapped orcas in drift ice caused by melting glaciers. I thank MoCC, Climate Heritage Network, Global Resilience Partnership, Oceanic Global, and the UN for their unwavering support,” explained Selva Ozelli.

Please share your content to celebrate the inaugural World Day for Glaciers at the UN HERE!

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When I first arrived at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, I was immediately struck by its beauty. The rolling hills of fynbos, unique to the Cape Floral Kingdom, stretched as far as the eye could see, alive with color and fragrance. But what stayed with me most wasn’t just the stunning landscape – it was the inspiring work of the Grootbos Foundation, which quietly but powerfully transforms lives while protecting this precious ecosystem.

This visit also reminded me of the mission of Journeys With Purpose (JWP)—to celebrate and support the unknown heroes of conservation, the unsung champions whose dedication helps heal our planet. The Grootbos Foundation is a living testament to this ethos, showing what’s possible when passion and purpose unite.

A Mission Rooted in Purpose

The Grootbos Foundation was established in 2003, and its mission is as clear as the skies above the reserve: to conserve the Cape Floral Kingdom and uplift the local communities that call it home. Over the years, the Foundation has grown to protect more than 22,200 hectares of biodiverse landscape while reaching over 3,000 people annually through its initiatives. I had the chance to dive into their work, and it left me in awe.

Much like JWP, the Grootbos Foundation focuses on empowering the individuals and communities behind conservation success stories. These “unknown heroes” include researchers, educators, youth coaches, and local leaders, each contributing to the preservation of one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.

Empowering Through Education

One of the Foundation’s standout projects is Green Futures Education, a programme that offers training in conservation and ecotourism. I met a few of the participants, and their stories were incredible—people learning to cultivate indigenous plants, manage alien vegetation, and steward biodiversity. These are skills that don’t just provide jobs; they create careers that help heal the planet.

Standing in their indigenous nursery, surrounded by tiny fynbos plants destined to restore the land, I felt hopeful. It was clear that this isn’t just about education—it’s about empowerment, and each participant becomes a steward of conservation, carrying forward the mission of protecting nature.

The Science of Conservation

At the heart of Grootbos’ conservation efforts is their Green Futures Research Unit, where a team of scientists works to understand the intricate web of life in the fynbos biome. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to visit in person, I learned about their off-grid Environmental Centre, tucked deep in the reserve. It’s a hub of innovation, where botanists, ecologists, and even visiting researchers collaborate to protect this unique ecosystem.

These researchers are unsung heroes, much like those celebrated by JWP—dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to safeguard our natural world. Their passion and commitment form the backbone of effective conservation strategies.

Changing Lives Through Sport

One of the most heartwarming experiences during my visit was learning about the Foundation’s Sports Development Programme. I learned about young people whose lives have been transformed through sports—not just by learning how to play but by gaining essential life skills. This programme reaches thousands of kids each year, teaching everything from teamwork to mental health resilience.

I was especially moved by the stories of girls who found their voices and confidence through the Foundation’s female empowerment workshops. In communities where opportunities can be scarce, this programme is a game-changer, providing hope and inspiration in the most unexpected ways.

These youth leaders reminded me of the kind of transformative work JWP seeks to champion—stories of resilience, courage, and the belief that change starts with individuals empowered to make a difference.

Building a Green Economy

The Foundation’s focus on Enterprise Development is another powerful way it uplifts the community. I visited some of the small businesses they’ve supported, from green startups to mentorship programmes for women. These initiatives don’t just create jobs; they foster independence and resilience, giving people the tools to succeed in the long run.

One story that stayed with me was of a young woman I heard about, who started her own small enterprise after going through the Foundation’s training. I was told about her pride and determination, and I couldn’t help but feel inspired by her journey. She is the kind of hidden hero that both JWP and the Grootbos Foundation champion—someone quietly shaping a brighter, more sustainable future.

A Celebration of Fynbos

Before leaving Grootbos, I spent some time exploring the Grootbos Florilegium, a stunning collection of botanical art inspired by the fynbos. Each piece tells a story of the plants that make this region so special, and I learned that the sale of these artworks helps fund conservation and community art programmes.

It was a perfect reminder of how everything at Grootbos is interconnected—art, science, nature, and people, all working together to create something truly extraordinary. The artists contributing to the Florilegium are heroes in their own right, preserving the beauty of the fynbos for generations to come.

Why Grootbos and JWP Align

Leaving Grootbos, I couldn’t stop thinking about the incredible balance they’ve struck here. It’s a place where luxury tourism funds life-changing initiatives, where conservation and community upliftment go hand in hand. The Grootbos Foundation mirrors JWP’s mission by celebrating and empowering the often-overlooked champions of conservation.

If you ever have the chance to visit Grootbos, take it. It’s not just a place to experience nature—it’s a place to witness the power of what can happen when we work together to create a better world. And if you can’t make the trip, consider supporting their work. Every small action helps sustain this incredible legacy.

You can learn more about the Grootbos Foundation and how to get involved at www.grootbosfoundation.org.

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This article was written by Sophie Gandet.

Journeys With Purpose offers immersive conservation and ethical travel experiences. Through private and hosted trips with pioneering conservationists, guests experience rewilding and restoring biodiversity in the wildest corners of the world. Our “Seven Worlds, One Planet” approach is a global curriculum focused on recovering and conserving vibrant landscapes, biodiversity, wildlife and livelihoods across all seven continents.

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