In a world increasingly obsessed with measurable outcomes, the field of environmental conservation is no exception. We’re constantly required to provide results- acres of mangroves planted, kilometers of coastlines restored, numbers of species tagged or rescued. These numbers matter deeply, they represent critical achievements in safeguarding our planet. But as conservation efforts focus on concrete metrics, something intangible yet invaluable has been sidelined: conservation media. Few pause to ask, “Who is telling these stories, and why does it matter?”
Almost every one of us in the conservation field owes our beginnings to the storytellers of nature. We first connected with the natural world not only through our own explorations in mud and sand but through the photographers and writers who inspired us – those who revealed the splendor and vulnerability of our planet. National Geographic, Sir David Attenborough’s documentaries, even a single powerful photo or essay on endangered species – these stories opened windows to worlds we otherwise might never have known. Yet today, the foundational role of media in conservation is increasingly devalued, left out of funding models that prioritize field projects over the stories that make such work visible, meaningful, and ultimately possible.
At SEVENSEAS Media, we have set out to do something unique. We operate as a grassroots organization dedicated to amplifying not just our own work but the efforts of the entire ocean conservation community. This isn’t just another news source, it is a platform where voices from around the world can share their perspectives and efforts, free from the restrictions of traditional publishing. You don’t have to be a staff writer or a peer-reviewed scientist to publish with us. Instead, we have cultivated a community where anyone involved in ocean conservation, from local activists in underserved regions to globally recognized experts, can reach an audience. We are relentless in our commitment to accessibility. SEVENSEAS Media remains free, as it has since the beginning. Knowledge should not be a privilege, nor should education in conservation be gatekept by those who can afford subscriptions or memberships.
Despite the importance of this work, sustainable funding has been elusive. While other organizations, often backed by robust communication departments, have the resources to broadcast their successes, broader conservation media is fading, affected by budget cuts and a lack of understanding of its value. Unlike traditional organizations, SEVENSEAS Media operates on the principle that we are here to tell everyone’s story. Yet, this mission to serve as a megaphone for the entire field has somehow become a funding disadvantage. Environmental media rarely fits the neat criteria for grants, and it’s a challenge to secure donations for something people have come to expect for free. How do we convince funders that we’re not just reporting on conservation efforts but actively creating a more connected and informed conservation community?
Consider our impact: SEVENSEAS Media has a weekly newsletter with over 30,000 subscribers and garners over 45,000 page views a month. These are more than just numbers, they represent people, movements, ideas, and cross-sector collaborations that have taken shape because we provided a space for connection. As the founder, I’ve dedicated nearly ten years to building this platform, usually at personal expense, and I now go unpaid to keep SEVENSEAS Media running. We apply to grant after grant, we cultivate relationships with potential funders, we reach out to every corner of the philanthropic landscape. Yet, funding for environmental media remains scarce. Why?
The truth is that, despite a track record of impact and a community that relies on us, SEVENSEAS Media and similar organizations remain on the periphery of conventional funding frameworks. There is no quick metric to capture the influence of shared stories, no spreadsheet that can measure the intangible benefits of an inspired reader or a well-connected coalition. But without media, conservation silos grow stronger, efforts remain isolated, and the powerful stories of those working to protect the planet risk going unheard.
So, what can we do? To all those who see value in these stories and recognize that change begins with awareness, we ask for your support. Help us continue to amplify the voices that deserve to be heard. If you’d like to contribute, you can make a difference by donating here or emailing me directly at giacomo at sevenseasmedia.org. Together, we can ensure that the stories of conservation and connection continue to reach and inspire those who need them most.
