Pioneer Program

2025 Third Round
Application is Open!

Hope to Meet Fellow
Conservation Enthusiasts.

Please note: This program does not fund pure natural imagery projects that lack conservation significance. How to Apply？ Silverlining Conservation will provide support and guidance throughout the process, from uncovering conservation stories and defining their scientific significance to creation and dissemination. We will also fund the imagery creation process that meets the needs of both parties. We are recruiting participants nationwide, with the first round of recruitment targeting: Conservationists:
Conservation organizations/projects/individuals (including but not limited to conservation institutions and research units) with a need for conservation imagery and a clear understanding of the conservation issues they aim to address.

please fill out Form A. Download link for the form: Photographer or photography team:
Photographers or photography teams. We will match suitable photographers or teams with the needs of the projects selected in the first round for collaborative creation.

please fill out Form B. Download link for the form: directions_run First Round Participants add_a_photo Second Round Participants

Selection Procedure Starting now, please submit your application materials via email to: wanwu_sc@163.com After receiving the application materials, the Silverlining Conservation review committee will evaluate them. Results will be announced in mid-March 2025, and there may be phone communications during the review process. Submit application review process participate workshop Accepted applicants or institutions will be invited to participate in an online "Silverlining Conservation - Pioneer Program" workshop. Specific details will be provided in follow-up notifications.

Related activities

The core logic of Silverlining Conservation: Making conservation issues visible. Our focus isn't just on species—we want people to recognize humanity's perspective on the future and our relationship with it. We document endangered species, the challenges they face in survival and reproduction, and the efforts of those working to protect them. We avoid projects driven solely by personal interest or those lacking clear conservation objectives, plans, or actionable outcomes.

It’s okay if conservationists aren’t skilled photographers themselves. Silverlining Conservation connects them with willing photographers to meet their visual documentation needs.

This is a path that requires exploration. From May 26–28, 2023, the first workshop was held at JAKET Future Life Institute in Guangzhou. Out of nearly 40 applications, the review committee selected 10 conservation projects and nature photographers that best aligned with the Pioneer Program’s goals. They were invited to Guangzhou for a 3-day project discussion.

Phase 1 Sponsored Projects:
- Trace of Salmon’s Migration
- Imaging Survey and Conservation of Cave Fish Diversity in China
- The Last Dholes
- The Hope for Coexistence: Searching of the Last Dholes What Are We Really Photographing? Pioneer Program Phase 1 Workshop group_add Pioneer Program Phase 2 Workshop On March 16–17, 2024, the second workshop took place at JAKET Future Life Institute in Guangzhou. It was a collision of wisdom and creativity, a dialogue between imagery and conservation. Together, we witnessed how the Pioneer Program uses the power of visuals to inspire new thinking for biodiversity conservation.

Phase 2 Sponsored Projects:
- Human-Bear Coexistence on One Land
- Wild Bird Rescue Kit
- Otter Conservation and Visual Documentation on Jintang Island