1. National Geographic Photo Ark
2. Virtual Jungle Thailand

The United States Embassy is proud to present the National Geographic Photo Ark exhibition, showcasing the captivating and visually striking work of renowned National Geographic photographer and Explorer, Joel Sartore. The exhibition, which will be held at Living Hall, 3rd Floor, Siam Paragon, from July 11 to 29, 2024, is part of the U.S. Embassy’s campaign to highlight U.S.-Thai collaboration on wildlife conservation efforts.

Founded by Sartore in 2006, the National Geographic Photo Ark is an ambitious project dedicated to documenting every species living in the world’s zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries. The project aims to inspire people to care for and protect these animals for future generations. The National Geographic Photo Ark is a visually powerful and compelling initiative that seeks to photograph endangered species before it’s too late. In addition to creating an archival record for posterity, this project serves as a hopeful platform for conservation and highlights the efforts of individuals and organizations working to preserve species worldwide.

One Man’s Quest to Document the World’s Animals

The “One Man’s Quest to Document the World’s Animals” exhibition will feature some of Sartore’s most captivating images, offering visitors a unique opportunity to come face-to-face with animals from the National Geographic Photo Ark, including some that are endemic to Thailand and Southeast Asia. The exhibition will educate visitors about the project, its mission, and conservation efforts while engaging audiences of all ages through free educational materials and activities.

The Photo Ark is showing for the first time in Thailand. This project is managed by creative director and Thailand’s celebrated contemporary photographer, Tom Potisit.

Schedule of Events

July 13

Location: Living Hall, 3rd Floor, Siam Paragon

Time	Name of Event	Guest Speaker(s)
13:00-15:00	Photography Workshop: Capturing the Intricacies of Insects and Small Organisms In this workshop, Krittanun will guide participants through the techniques and principles of photographing insects and small organisms, emphasizing the importance of visual storytelling in science communication. Attendees will learn how to use macro photography to capture detailed and compelling images, enhancing their appreciation and understanding of these often-overlooked subjects.	Krittinun Tantraporn

 

July 15

Location: SCBx, 4th Floor, Siam Paragon

Time	Name of Event	Guest Speaker(s)
12:00-13:00	Andaman Legacy Presented by ThaiPBS Producer of the documentary “Andaman Legacy” will discuss biodiversity and the richness of the Andaman, and conservation to pass on to future generations.	ThaiPBS, Polpich Komson, Chutinun Mora
13:30-15:00	Engaging Youth in Conservation: Initiatives and Inspirations In this seminar, Saipan will discuss the significant impact media and public figures can have on environmental education and conservation efforts, particularly in inspiring the younger generation to become stewards of the environment. Arin and Arisa will share their journey, discuss their conservation projects, and inspire young audiences to take active roles in environmental protection.<.p>	Apinya Sakuljaroensuk (Saipan), Arin Thongtang (Below the Tides), Arisa Thongtang (Below the Tides)
15:30-16:30	Environmental Storytelling: The Power of Visual Journalism In this seminar, rising journalists Napat Wesshasartar and Ploythida Ketkaew walk us through their thought process and explore the role of visual journalism in addressing social and environmental challenges, highlighting the importance of storytelling in raising awareness and driving change. They will discuss challenges, techniques, and strategies used in creating compelling environmental narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.	Napat Wesshasartar, Ploythida Ketkaew
17:00-18:30	Marine Veterinary Science: Conservation and Care of Rare Marine Mammals The speakers will share their extensive experience in marine veterinary science, discussing their roles in research, conservation, and the medical care of marine wildlife. Attendees will gain insights into the challenges and successes in protecting and restoring populations of endangered marine species in Thailand.	DVM. Rachawadee Chandra, DVM. Patcharaporn Kaewmong, DVM. PhD. Weerapong Laovechprasit, DVM. Watchara Sakornwimon
18:30-19:30	Double Film Screening – Whale’s Tale + Handle With Heart Whale’s Tales – A cinematic journey unraveling the tales of whales in Thailand, focusing on the indigenous Bryde’s whale, showcasing the efforts in studying, researching, and confronting the crises faced by these majestic creatures in Thailand. Handle with Heart – For years, Thailand has tracked leatherback turtles laying eggs. Researchers have successfully raised hatchlings to one year, releasing them with satellite tags. Amidst the success, there are both supporters and detractors. However, the time is gradually running out for the leatherback turtles as humans demand more from nature each day. Studying these ancient creatures requires more effort than almost any other species. So, which direction should we take? Often, the answer may require us to look deep within our own hearts.	Thaiwhales: Chankit Chamnivikaipong, Komchai Thanapanich

 

July 16

Location: SCBx, 4th Floor, Siam Paragon

Time	Name of Event	Guest Speaker(s)
12:30-13:30	From Image to Documentary – The Different Similarities Presented by ThaiPBS Unveiling the behind-the-scenes of documentary filmmaking by a wildlife photographer with over 20 years of experience, sharing the stories of rare wildlife… from still images to documentary films.	ThaiPBS, Baramee Temboonkiat, Smith Sutibut
14:00-15:00	Eco-Tourism and Marine Conservation: A Model for Sustainable Wildlife Tours This seminar will explore the company’s efforts to set higher standards for educational whale watching in Southeast Asia, highlighting the importance of marine life conservation and the role of eco-tourism in fostering environmental stewardship.	Wild Encounter Thailand: Jirayu Ekkul
15:30-16:30	Integrating Education and Conservation: Building a Sustainable Future Alexander will share insights on integrating conservation education within academic curricula, emphasizing hands-on learning and student-led projects. He will discuss the impact of education on fostering a sustainable future and the role of educators in inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders especially with his experience being a foreigner in Thailand.	Alexander Coke Smith
17:00-18:00	Parallel Worlds of Biodiversity and Extinction Meet Petch Manopawitr and Suchana Chavanich, both are veteran conservation scientists with over 20 years of experience in biodiversity research and training. Here, Professor Suchana will present her climate research participation in the polar regions, and demonstrate how it is important to us in the tropics. Dr. Petch will talk about protected area management, and what Thailand can contribute to the global biodiversity conservation. Also look out for hot issues of coral bleaching; are tropical reefs going extinct, and what does that mean?	Suchana Chavanich, Petch Manopawitr

 

July 17

Location: SCBx, 4th Floor, Siam Paragon

Time	Name of Event	Guest Speaker(s)
13:30-14:30	Protected Area Management: Why Does It Matter? Disaorn Aitthiariyasunthon (Forestry Technical Officer, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources), Peeranuch Dulkul Kappelle (Forestry Technical Officer, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation), and Joel Sartore will present in this deep dive panel on the benefits of protected area management in Thailand, with a spotlight on the case study of Ranong Biosphere Reserve where local communities play a vital part. *This session will be conducted in English.	Joel Sartore, Siripannee Noina Supratya, Peeranuch Dulkul Kappelle, Disaorn Aitthiariyasunthon
14:30-15:45	Human-Elephant Conflict: Mitigation Strategies and Community Engagement This seminar brings together experts from various institutions to address the complex issue of human-elephant conflicts in eastern Thailand. Representatives from the Non-Hunting Area Reservoir Bangphra will share their experiences in wildlife protection and community engagement strategies to mitigate conflicts. Faculty from the Environment and Resource Studies at MU will provide insights into sustainable resource management and environmental conservation practices. Researchers from the Forest Biology Department at KU will present case studies on the ecological impact of wild elephants and propose scientifically grounded solutions. Additionally, officials from the Wildlife Conservation Office of Thailand will discuss current conservation policies, collaborative projects, and the importance of integrating conservation efforts with local community needs.	Pitak Yingyong, Ratanawat Chairat, Phadej Laithong, Ronglaph Sukmasrung, Sangduean Chailert
16:00-17:00	Empowering Visual Storytellers: Lessons on Managing Expectations Ever wonder what went through their heads? In this discussion, we talk to Joel Sartore and Tom Potisit (photographer and curator of this exhibit) about their creative process, and the managerial side of things. With storytelling a part of their job descriptions; how do they manage their time and resources, how do they know which path is the right choice, and, the questions on everyone’s minds–where do you find the funding? *This session will be conducted in English.	Joel Sartore, Cole Sartore, Tom Potisit, Siripannee Noina Supratya

 

About the Photographer: Joel Sartore

 

In 2006, world renowned photographer Joel Sartore started the National Geographic Photo Ark in an effort to document every species living in human care, inspire action through education, and help save wildlife by supporting on-the-ground conservation efforts. For more than 15 years, he’s traveled to zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries around the world in his quest to create a photo archive of global biodiversity. Sartore is a National Geographic Explorer, public speaker, author, educator, conservationist and regular contributor to National Geographic magazine. In 2018, he was named the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year.

Sartore has produced several books including Photo Ark Wonders: Celebrating Diversity in the Animal Kingdom, RARE: Portraits of America’s Endangered Species, Photographing Your Family, The Photo Ark, Animal Ark, and The Photo Ark Vanishing: The World’s Most Vulnerable Animals.

In addition to the work he has done for National Geographic, Sartore has contributed to Audubon magazine, Life, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated and numerous book projects. Sartore and his work have been the subjects of several national broadcasts, including National Geographic’s Explorer, NBC Nightly News, NPR’s Weekend Edition, Fresh Air with Terry Gross and the PBS documentary series, Rare: Portraits of the Photo Ark. He is also a regular contributor on the CBS Sunday Morning Show.

Sartore’s hallmarks are a sense of humor and a midwestern work ethic. He graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in journalism. He currently lives in Lincoln, Nebraska with his wife and children.

joelsartore.com

About the Curator: Tom Potisit

Tom Potisit (Hon.F.RPST) has made a name as a professional who stimulates conversations on relevant social and environmental issues through both his fashion
and artistic photography.

Tom’s Bangkok Creative Studio supports outstanding Thai talents and artist for international markets, while his HOP Hub Of Photography is a community that empowers Thai photographers to grow professionally, while bringing their work to a wider audience.

In his role as an advisor of the Royal Photographic Society of Thailand (RPST), he is responsible for international relations, with a mission to create more international exposure for Thai photography, using photography as a real tool to both bridge and build international relationships among countries, groups and individuals around the world.

In addition, he was recently appointed as the official liaison officer of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP). His work has touched upon a range of important global issues from minority rights, endangered marine animals, organ donation and environmental issues. He had previously worked with world’s renowned photographers such as Steve McCurry’s Belonging Photo Book as the producer, a master of ceremony of James Nachtwey’s Memoria Exhibition and the production manager for Michel Auder’s Nine Plus Five Works Exhibition in Bangkok.

His latest work “The Middle Path” won the international competition, exhibited and displayed on the billboard in Time Square, NY last year. He has also appeared as a TEDx Speaker on the topic – Changing the World One Image at a Time.

www.tompotisit.com

About the National Geographic Society

The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories, and content. To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org.

U.S. Mission Thailand thanks our partners Siam Piwat Group, Siam Paragon, B.Grimm, and UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok (UNESCO Bangkok) for their support of this exhibition. Photo Ark is organized and traveled by The National Geographic Society.

U.S. Mission Supports Thailand in Anti-Wildlife Trafficking Efforts

The United States has been a close ally and partner with Thailand for two centuries, collaborating in various fields, including wildlife conservation. Agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), State Department’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) work closely with their Thai counterparts to combat wildlife trafficking in Thailand and in neighboring countries. In 2024, the U.S. Mission Thailand is launching “Virtual Jungle Thailand,” a digital campaign to promote U.S.-Thai wildlife conservation efforts and raise awareness about the threats facing endangered species in Thailand.