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National parks protect forested areas from human activities that cause land degradation and deforestation. The boundary between protected and non-protected areas is very clearly visible in this satellite image. The green, densely forested and protected area of Egmont National Park on New Zealand’s North Island is clearly visible in contrast to the surrounding agricultural landscape.
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Echoes of the Vaia storm unveiled in Milan

09/10/2024 448 views 36 likes
ESA / About Us / Exhibitions

Through a new collaboration between ESA and Leica Camera Italia, titled 'Forests seen from space', Italian photojournalist Alessandro Cinque realised 'Echoes of the Vaia storm', a unique exhibit that blends European satellite imagery, traditional photography, and personal stories to illustrate the impact of changes on forest ecosystems. From 17 October to 1 December, the Leica Galerie in Milan will host this striking collection curated by fellow Italian photographer Maurizio Beucci.

Forests seen from space: a new exhibition coproduced by ESA and Leica
Forests seen from space: a new exhibition coproduced by ESA and Leica

The exhibit is the result of a collaboration between ESA and camera manufacturer Leica, which plans for three exhibitions across Europe in 2024 and 2025, with the first two already on display in Milan and Paris.

Bringing together satellite imagery from ESA and Cinque’s ground-based photographs, Forests seen from space is more than just a traditional photography exhibition. This project examines the devastating impact of natural disasters on the environment, addressing the importance of preserving its ecosystems. It focuses on the Vaia Storm, which struck the forests of northern Italy in 2018. Five years later, Cinque returned to these areas to document the long-term effects of the storm, both environmentally and socially. The combination of ESA satellite images and the emotive power of Cinque’s photographs captured on the ground creates a visual narrative, showing not only the physical damage but also the emotional toll on local communities.

Developed from a concept by Fiorella Coliolo and Benoit Delplanque, the collaboration between ESA and Leica Camera Italia demonstrates the value of partnerships that blend art, science, and technology. By merging satellite data with the emotive power of photography, Forests seen from space offers an unprecedented narrative on climate change, environmental degradation, and the resilience of nature and communities. The dual perspective of the exhibition - a satellite’s distant ‘eye in space’ and the detailed, human-centered view - underscores the importance of integrating scientific data with personal stories to capture and understand the lasting effects of environmental catastrophes.

The opening of Forests seen from space is part of an exciting lineup of activities that will take place around the week of the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2024), to be held from 14 to 18 October 2024.

Practical information

Leica Store Milano
Via Giuseppe Mengoni 4
20121 Milano, Italia
Monday, Sunday: Closed
Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Discover more about the exhibition here.

For further information, contact:

Maria Menendez
Head of Outreach Coordination Office at ESA
maria.menendez@esa.int

Franca Morgia
Outreach Coordination Officer at ESA
franca.morgia@esa.int