vivo and UNESCO MAB Foster Global Youth Voices in Italy with Storytelling Camp

Bridging Generations: Capturing Future Narratives through Storytelling in Italy

In a significant collaboration, vivo and the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme have launched the 2026 Capture the Future: Global Youth Storytelling Initiative. This initiative, which recently concluded its Co-Creation Camp in the picturesque Appennino Tosco Emiliano Biosphere Reserve in Italy, served as a vital platform for young creators from around the world.

The Essence of the Initiative

Held from August 31 to September 5, the five-day event welcomed 15 aspiring photographers and storytellers, selected from a pool of 745 submissions worldwide. These young dreamers were brought together to explore the intricate relationship between humanity and nature through immersive field experiences and mentorship from seasoned professionals in the field.

The announcement of this initiative came in March 2026, inviting youth to showcase their visual narratives about people’s connection to nature. The global call saw participants from 98 countries, creating stories that resonate with the themes of sustainability and cultural diversity. This journey not only fostered creativity but also bridged cultural gaps, highlighting the stories tied to over 120 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.

A Journey of Reflection and Experience

The Co-Creation Camp was led by a diverse team of mentors, including vivo's imaging expert Keshav Chugh, UNESCO MAB's communication specialist Manoel Giffoni, ZEISS Ambassador Solli Kanani, and award-winning director Marko Roth. Together, they guided the participants through an exploratory journey within the vibrant landscapes and rich traditions of the biosphere reserve.

Among the participants was Lea Meny from Germany, who described her experience as transformative.