Thick fog curls in shadowy tendrils, rising from the treetops and settling over the river’s glassy surface. In the distance, the faint silhouettes of two brown bears move steadily through the frigid waters, their presence at once commanding and serene. Here, in the heart of British Columbia, grizzlies like this pair feel almost small against the vastness of towering pines and sprawling streams, yet they are an integral part of this wild landscape. Each creature, no matter its size, has its place in the delicate balance of nature. In these moments, we are reminded that our survival is intertwined with theirs, and that protecting our forests, rivers, and green spaces ensures that all life continues to thrive in harmony.

Cristina Mittermeier is a Mexican-born fine art photographer, marine biologist and conservationist renowned for her evocative images that explore the intersection of nature, culture and human connection. A Sony Artisan of Imagery who aligns with Rolex’s Perpetual Planet Initiative, she is a two-time Emmy Award recipient for her photographic work on The Last Ice and Photographer, both on National Geographic/Disney+. Mittermeier is the founder of the International League of Conservation Photographers and co-founder of SeaLegacy. Her photographs have been exhibited at major art fairs and museums worldwide and are held in prominent private and institutional collections. She was named Artist of the Year by the Intersect Art and Design Fair in 2025.