Salgado's impactful work has captured the struggles of humanity and the beauty of nature across the globe, inspiring countless individuals to fight for ecological preservation.
Sebastião Salgado: A Legacy of Environmental Photography and Advocacy

Sebastião Salgado: A Legacy of Environmental Photography and Advocacy
The iconic photographer, known for his powerful imagery and passion for environmental conservation, has passed away at the age of 81.
Sebastião Salgado, an illustrious figure in photography with a remarkable career spanning over 55 years, has died at the age of 81. Renowned for his poignant black-and-white photographs, Salgado dedicated his life to documenting both the challenges faced by humanity and the splendor of our natural world. His lens traveled to more than 130 countries, offering revealing insights into significant global events, including the harrowing Rwandan genocide in 1994, the devastating famine in the Sahel region during the mid-1980s, and the aftermath of the Gulf War oilfires.
A statement from Instituto Terra, the environmental organization founded by Salgado and his wife, Lélia Wanick Salgado, emphasized his life’s work as a reflection of transformative action, revealing the world's contradictions. The Brazilian President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, honored Salgado, pointing to him as one of the finest photographers the world has ever known.
Salgado's most recent project, Amazônia, highlighted the delicate balance of the Amazon rainforest and the lives of its indigenous tribes. Over seven years, he immersed himself in the rainforest, capturing daily activities and cultural practices that are often overshadowed. The culmination of his efforts was exhibited in a collection of over 200 striking black-and-white images, showcased notably at the Science Museum in London and the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester from 2021 to 2022.
Reflecting on his journey, Salgado expressed astonishment at his own experiences, pondering if it truly was he who ventured into such diverse and challenging environments. Born in 1944, he transitioned from a background in economics to photography in 1973 and later established Amazonas Images with Lélia in 1994. His exceptional contributions to the field were recognized with numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Contribution to Photography award from the Sony World Photography Awards in 2024 and the prestigious Prince of Asturias Award.
Beyond photography, Salgado and Lélia's commitment to environmental restoration is evident in their work with Instituto Terra, where they rejuvenated his father’s farm in Brazil by planting over three million trees. Their mission emphasizes that ecological restoration is not just an environmental act but a deeper expression of love for humanity itself. As Salgado’s legacy endures, his evocative imagery and passionate advocacy continue to inspire global movements for environmental justice.