The Elena De’light Foundation has harnessed on the power of photography to raise environmental awareness and inspire collective action for the planet’s protection.
During a recent training in Abuja, the foundation focused on empowering young women through photography, highlighting the critical roles of women and youth in combating climate change.
The Co-Founder and Project Manager of the Elena De’light Foundation, Christy Halima Elukpo, emphasized the initiative’s commitment to equipping young women with the skills to influence change.
“Photography is not just a medium for capturing moments; it is a powerful tool for storytelling, documenting change, and inspiring action.
“By training young women in photography, we are giving them the power to make a difference,” Elukpo said.
Elukpo underscored the importance of photography in environmental advocacy, noting its crucial role in raising awareness and driving change.
Project Coordinator of the Elena De’light Foundation, Isaac Ateko Abu, highlighted the direct connection between environmental health and human well-being.
He explained that a thriving environment is essential for socio-cultural and economic development, while environmental degradation leads to adverse outcomes such as health issues, natural disasters, and economic instability.
National Coordinator of the Eco Defenders Network, Shehu Akowe, also emphasized the importance of photography in raising awareness about environmental challenges.
“Photography is an essential tool for highlighting the environmental challenges posed by human activities,” Akowe stated. “It is crucial for women and youths to engage in this medium to advocate for a safe and healthy environment.”
Akowe further stressed that capturing images of environmental degradation can raise awareness, propose solutions, and contribute to a sustainable future.
He noted photography’s unique ability to convey the multifaceted impacts of climate change, saying, “Visual documentation allows us to feel the urgency and observe the effects of climate change in specific areas. For instance, the increasing frequency of thunderstorms and strong winds can be captured to demonstrate how climate change is impacting different regions. These images can tell compelling stories that drive government action for timely interventions.”
The event also featured Executive Director of Urban Rural Environmental Defenders (URED), Godspower Martins, who reinforced the importance of environmental ambassadors in mitigating the effects of human activities on the planet.
At the end of the training, the top 10 participants, selected from a group of 30 young women, were provided with cameras to continue their work as environmental ambassadors. These women were chosen for their exceptional skills and dedication to using photography as a tool for environmental advocacy.
