On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco inaugurated the photographic exhibition “Human–Nature: Fragile Balances” at the Botanical Garden of Rome. The exhibition presents in the Italian capital the winning images from the first five editions of the Foundation’s Environmental Photography Award.
On the occasion of the exhibition’s opening, a conference entitled “Biodiversity Conservation: Challenges and Opportunities for the Future” was held, bringing together institutional representatives, members of the scientific community, and conservation experts to discuss the main current priorities in biodiversity protection.
The event opened with remarks by Marco Colasanti, President of the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco – Italy; H.E. Anne Eastwood, Ambassador of the Principality of Monaco to Italy; Eugenio Gaudio, President of Fondazione Roma Sapienza; Fabio Attorre, Director of the Botanical Garden of Rome; and Sergio Pitamitz, wildlife and conservation photographer, contributor to National Geographic, and President of the jury of the Environmental Photography Award.
Following a guided tour of the exhibition led by Sergio Pitamitz, the conference took place at the Orangery of the Botanical Garden, opening with an introduction by Marco Colasanti and speeches by Irene Baldriga, Associate Professor at Sapienza University of Rome; Romain Ciarlet, Vice President and CEO of the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco; and Eugenio Gaudio, President of Fondazione Roma Sapienza.
The conference featured discussions among distinguished experts: Piero Genovesi, from the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), addressed the return of wolf and bear populations in Italy and the challenge of coexistence; Marco Oliverio, from Sapienza University of Rome, illustrated the most advanced biodiversity census methodologies in support of conservation; Danilo Mollicone, from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presented an innovative feeder designed to promote reforestation through seed dispersal by birds; while Sergio Pitamitz shared his report on the Northern Bald Ibis, the subject of an article published in the latest issue of National Geographic. The debate was moderated by Fabio Attorre.
“This exhibition stems from the desire to foster a concrete reflection on the relationship between humanity and nature, overcoming ideological divisions and instead promoting a culture of responsibility, protection, and balance. Today more than ever, we have a duty to address these issues with pragmatism, ethical sensitivity, and the ability to transform awareness into real action on the ground,” stated Marco Colasanti, President of the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco – Italy.
The Environmental Photography Award was established in 2021 by the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco to honor photographers committed to raising awareness about environmental protection and to amplify the impact of their storytelling through a traveling exhibition and a dedicated publication. The award pursues a dual objective: celebrating the extraordinary beauty of our planet while highlighting the environmental challenges we are called upon to face, through five categories: Polar Regions, Forests, Ocean, Humanity versus Nature, and Change Makers.
“Photography has the power to make visible what is too often ignored: the fragility of ecosystems, the beauty of biodiversity, and the urgency of protecting the living world. By presenting the Environmental Photography Award in Rome, within the extraordinary setting of the Botanical Garden, we wish to offer the public not only an artistic experience, but also an invitation to reflection and action. This exhibition embodies the Foundation’s belief that awareness is the first step toward lasting commitment,” added Romain Ciarlet, Vice President and CEO of the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco.
An exhibition dedicated to the 2021 edition of the Environmental Photography Award had already been presented in Rome, in Piazza del Campidoglio, reaffirming the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco – Italy’s commitment to bringing the Award’s message to new audiences and strengthening civic engagement on environmental issues. Following its presentation at the Botanical Garden of Rome, the exhibition “Human–Nature: Fragile Balances” will continue its traveling journey through several Italian cities in the coming months, beginning with Castel Gandolfo in July.
The event was organized by the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco, the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco – Italy, and Fondazione Roma Sapienza, under the patronage of the Embassy of the Principality of Monaco in Italy and with the support of Sapienza University of Rome, Sapienza Cultura Museum Hub, Delta Ingegneria, and Fondazione Scudieri.
The Princess Camilla of Bourbon Charitable Foundation took part in the event on behalf of H.R.H. Princess Camilla of Bourbon-Two Sicilies. The participation of the Princess Camilla of Bourbon Charitable Foundation confirms the Foundation’s attention to contemporary environmental challenges and its support for initiatives promoting awareness and the protection of biodiversity for future generations.
