Krystle Hickman on the ethics of native bee photography and conservation science

Conservation urgently needs creative and artistic solutions to addressing pressing biodiversity and climate issues in democratic and ethical ways. What role can the creative storytelling practice of native insect photography play in transforming species conservation to a discipline which respects and cares for overlooked insects and the critical ecosystems that support declining populations such as native bees, and is inclusive of the invaluable contributions of communities and those outside the discipline?   

In this month’s conversation, we are joined by Krystle Hickman, a National Geographic Explorer, TEDx speaker, conservation photographer, and native bee expert who uses her photography to raise awareness about the decline of native bee species and their complex ecosystems. Her work has been featured on platforms like Vox, PBS, and the podcast Ologies, expanding her impact beyond visual storytelling. Hickman has also presented at major global and academic venues, including the 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16) and universities such as Harvard, UCLA, and UC Irvine.

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