About us

Our mission is to transform the field of nature conservation communication through our free media library and impact-focused storytelling.

Around the world, marine ecosystems are collapsing. This impending crisis doesn't just threaten oceanic life and the 3 billion people who rely on the sea for food - it has dire implications for life on Earth as we know it.

But there's hope. Dedicated scientists, conservationists, and activists are working tirelessly to find solutions. At Kogia we support the efforts of those on the frontline by providing them with free high-quality photos and videos. We also make films that inspire hope and change, with an aim to foster within our audience the same appreciation, awe and sense of protection that we feel so deeply towards the natural oceanic world.

  • Conservationists working to protect our oceans face a significant challenge: accessing quality media to communicate their work. High-quality imagery is often inaccessible, contacting individual filmmakers and photographers can be time-consuming, and licensing photos and videos can be prohibitively expensive.

    This is where Kogia comes in.

  • We created a vast and streamlined digital library of high-quality, scientifically categorized photos and videos that is free to use for those working towards the protection of our planet.

    Unlike other media licensing platforms, Kogia’s Oceanic Library is nature- focused. We also don’t charge for access to our content, which is captured by some of the world’s most talented and recognized underwater photographers and filmmakers.

    Library aside, we make films, run impact campaigns, and actively work to decolonize nature storytelling by supporting and amplifying the voices of emerging conservation storytellers around the world.

  • After a decade of working as nature visual storytellers in the nonprofit sector, two things became crystal clear to our founders.

    While compiling a vast archive of photos and videos of wildlife and scenery from around the world, we were only using a fraction of what was captured. We published and licensed the very best images, while the majority remained completely unused.

    At the same time, while producing dozens of documentaries for humanitarian and environmental NGOs, we noticed how difficult it was for nonprofits to access high-quality media of the natural world. This is where the idea for Kogia was born.

Our Team

  • KARIM ILIYA

    Co-founder
    Director of Vision & Content

    Photographer, filmmaker and whale swimming guide, Karim has won numerous awards and has been published in National Geographic Magazine for his humpback whale photography and BBC Earth for his video work.

    Reykjavík, Iceland

  • NESSIM STEVENSON

    Co-Founder
    Director of Operations

    Photographer and documentary filmmaker and creative specialized in humanitarian and environmental conservation communication, with experience working in over 40 countries around the world.

    Beirut, Lebanon

  • ARZUCAN ASKIN

    Science Communications Lead

    Conservation scientist, sailor/skipper and National Geographic Explorer. Arzucan has led multiple research projects and remote marine expeditions examining both the beauty and complexity of human-ocean relationships across the globe.

    Izmir, Turkey

  • MANAL MOUKADDEM

    Head of Development

    With years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Manal leverages her research and writing background to craft impactful narratives. She is a passionate advocate of empathic practice and nonviolent communication.

    Beirut, Lebanon

  • THURAYYA ZREIK

    Operations Support

    Social scientist and public and environmental health researcher, Thurayya has worked on social impact research and adocacy campaigns with nonprofits, government actors, as well as academic institutions across Lebanon and the MENA region.

    Sardinia, Italy

  • JACK JEFFRESS

    Web Development

    Jack  is a computer programmer, photographer and expedition guide. Jack loves using technology to tell stories, create immersive experiences, and to make scientific research consumable and effectively communicated.

    Sydney, Australia

  • MARGERIE BONNET

    Innovation and Partnerships

    Margerie is a French architect committed to nature conservation. She aims to use her architectural expertise to connect design with environmental advocacy, developing creative solutions to address the pressing challenges facing our ecosystems.

    Los Angeles, USA

  • KALLI RICHARDS

    Social Media Manager

    Kalli Jade Richards is a water-based photographer/videographer passionate about the global preservation of aquatic ecology. Through her work, she hopes to draw attention to the importance of water preservation.

    Ontario, Canada

Our Advisors

  • Keith Ladzinski

  • Swathi Singh

  • Jono Allen

  • Cedric Dageville

  • Akasha Sutherland

  • Rebecca Illing

Genus Kogia - The little sperm whales

Dwarf sperm whale
Kogia Sima

Pygmy sperm whale
Kogia Breviceps

Illustrations by Frederique Lucas

The Dwarf and Pygmy sperm whales form a separate family from their larger namesake. They are shy, rarely observed at sea, and little is known about their behavior.

Unlike oceanic dolphins, in Kogiids the crescent of the blowhole points backwards. They can also secrete a dark fluid from their intestine when frightened.

By choosing the kogia as our emblem we take our stand on the side of the shy, the gentle and the ‘uncharismatic’.

Contact Us