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.

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

  • 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

  • RENATA BADE BARAJAS

    Head of Fundraising

    Environmental sustainability entrepreneur, TedX speaker, and engineer. Renata has developed products for optimizing the food supply chain, advocated for the circular economy, and spoke on the importance of reducing food waste. She is passionate about bringing people together to do good for our planet.

    Reykjavik, Iceland

  • CEDRIC DAGEVILLE

    Head of Partnerships

    Cedric is a French-American freediver, based in New York and Singapore is a divemaster and photographer working in ocean conservation. He has a passion for being underwater. In early 2023 he stepped away from the corporate sphere to focus his efforts full-time on protecting the ocean by helping organizations on the front lines of conservation.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

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