In black and white
Globally, it is estimated that there are only 1,600 Giant Pandas left in the wild. They are now classified as endangered. The giant panda in China is threatened, thanks to its disappearing habitat, the forest. Once found across the country, they are now found only in a small pocket of forests in southern China. Poaching of Giant Pandas is now not only illegal, but even punishable by death.
"China's rise in the early 21century is radically impacting the environment. I knew that this would be an opportunity to document what is happening at such an important time in human history," says Sean Gallagher , who has been photographing environmental issues in China since 2006.
Gallagher even produced a seven-part multimedia series about China's disappearing wetlands . When he first arrived in China around six years ago, he covered a range of topics including issues related to health, society and politics. He soon realised that his passion was in photographing issues related to the environment. His interest in environment and conservation issues began when he was at high school in the UK. He went on to study zoology at university, which got him interested in the biological sciences. "When I discovered photography, I knew that it could be the perfect vehicle to convey my concerns about the environment and biodiversity ," he adds.
The photographer, who received a grant from the Pulitzer Centre in 2011, says that the Pulitzer Centre on Crisis Reporting offers funding to independent reporters who want to cover issues, which they feel are under-reported , mis-reported , or not reported at all. He informs, "I have received three grants from the Pulitzer Centre on Crisis Reporting to cover environmental issues in China.
Given a chance, what would he do to save pandas globally and restore their habitat? "Unfortunately , I am not too optimistic about the future of the giant panda in the wild. Even though China has set up over 60 nature reserves to protect their habitat, development in the rural areas in the West is increasing with every passing year and human impact is still being felt, even in protected areas," says Gallagher.
FACE-TO-FACE
The closest that Gallagher has came to Giant Pandas was when he was able to access the incubation centre for newborns at the Chengdu Panda Base.
"As this area is closed to the public, I was granted special permission to photograph them, within the restricted area reserved for staff and on-site scientists ," he recalls.
He further points out that many of the challenges India is facing with regards to the environment and wildlife are similar to those in China. "Both countries are developing quickly with rapidly increasing populations. Threats to fragile ecosystems are the same and we are noting a rapid and severe decrease in biodiversity in both the nations. It is important that we are able to learn from one another and not make mistakes made in the past. I hope India and China can share knowledge in order to protect the remaining biodiversity in both countries," he says.
As to his future plans, Gallagher hopes to expand his work documenting environmental countries by photographing in south and south-east Asia. "I would like to photograph in India and help Indians understand more about the threats to the environment ," he concludes.
Yang Guang our male giant panda at Edinburgh Zoo exploring his new climbing frame! Plan your visit to meet the Giant Pandas at www.edinburghzoo.org.uk Find us on facebook www.facebook.com Video Rating: 4 / 5
List Price: $ 6.49 Price: $ 3.97
"China's rise in the early 21century is radically impacting the environment. I knew that this would be an opportunity to document what is happening at such an important time in human history," says Sean Gallagher , who has been photographing environmental issues in China since 2006.
Gallagher even produced a seven-part multimedia series about China's disappearing wetlands . When he first arrived in China around six years ago, he covered a range of topics including issues related to health, society and politics. He soon realised that his passion was in photographing issues related to the environment. His interest in environment and conservation issues began when he was at high school in the UK. He went on to study zoology at university, which got him interested in the biological sciences. "When I discovered photography, I knew that it could be the perfect vehicle to convey my concerns about the environment and biodiversity ," he adds.
The photographer, who received a grant from the Pulitzer Centre in 2011, says that the Pulitzer Centre on Crisis Reporting offers funding to independent reporters who want to cover issues, which they feel are under-reported , mis-reported , or not reported at all. He informs, "I have received three grants from the Pulitzer Centre on Crisis Reporting to cover environmental issues in China.
Given a chance, what would he do to save pandas globally and restore their habitat? "Unfortunately , I am not too optimistic about the future of the giant panda in the wild. Even though China has set up over 60 nature reserves to protect their habitat, development in the rural areas in the West is increasing with every passing year and human impact is still being felt, even in protected areas," says Gallagher.
FACE-TO-FACE
The closest that Gallagher has came to Giant Pandas was when he was able to access the incubation centre for newborns at the Chengdu Panda Base.
"As this area is closed to the public, I was granted special permission to photograph them, within the restricted area reserved for staff and on-site scientists ," he recalls.
He further points out that many of the challenges India is facing with regards to the environment and wildlife are similar to those in China. "Both countries are developing quickly with rapidly increasing populations. Threats to fragile ecosystems are the same and we are noting a rapid and severe decrease in biodiversity in both the nations. It is important that we are able to learn from one another and not make mistakes made in the past. I hope India and China can share knowledge in order to protect the remaining biodiversity in both countries," he says.
As to his future plans, Gallagher hopes to expand his work documenting environmental countries by photographing in south and south-east Asia. "I would like to photograph in India and help Indians understand more about the threats to the environment ," he concludes.
Giant Panda on the Roof! - Edinburgh Zoo
Schleich Giant Panda Female 14199
- 3.8 x 1.4 x 2.2 inches
- Fun Fact: Although labeled a carnivore, this bear is a vegetarian.
- Zoological Name: Ailuropoda melanoleuca
- Conservation Status: Endangered (EN)
- Primary Habitat: Mountains and Forest
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