Navi Mumbai’s wetlands and their ecological significance have found a place on the global stage through an exhibition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The exhibition, held at Manarat Al Saadiyat, a renowned art gallery and community space, features two photographs by amateur wildlife and nature photographer Vidyasagar Hariharan. The event commenced on December 11, 2024, and will run until February 2025.

Hariharan’s photographs, titled “The Water is on Fire” and “The Real Man vs Wild”, have drawn significant attention. The first, a finalist in the Mangrove Photography Awards 2023, and the second, a runner-up in the Mangrove Photography Awards 2020, are displayed as part of a unique public mangrove photography exhibit—the first of its kind in the Middle East and Gulf region.

Hariharan, a member of the Save Navi Mumbai Environment Group and a Mumbai resident, captured these images during the bird season at the NRI and TS Chanakya wetlands in Navi Mumbai. His work often highlights flocks of flamingos and the challenges they face in their habitats against the backdrop of the city’s skyline.

“The Water is on Fire” features lesser and some greater flamingos wading in the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, with Navi Mumbai’s skyline and mangroves in the background. The photograph underscores the critical role of mangroves and wetlands in preserving biodiversity.

“The Real Man vs Wild” depicts lesser flamingos feeding in a wetland lake, reflecting the encroachment of high-rise buildings and emphasizing the destructive impact of urbanization on natural habitats.

The exhibition aims to promote appreciation for mangrove and coastal ecosystems, raising awareness about their importance in biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. The event is a collaboration between the Mangrove Action Project, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, and UNESCO.

The photographs are part of the International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference, held in Abu Dhabi from December 10-12, 2024.