Program
Start of the 1st Salvaje Fest Marathon
Auditorium 2 - Leandre Cristòfol (2nd floor)
Meeting point
Does nature inspire you? Are you concerned about the loss of biodiversity in our most open landscapes?
Salvaje Fest officially kicks off with the 1st Salvaje Fest Photography Marathon, an open invitation to capture the beauty and biodiversity of the Iberian steppes.
Promoted by AEFONA (Spanish Association of Nature Photographers), this photomarathon is a call to act creatively. Through your images, help raise awareness about this unique and endangered ecosystem, home to iconic species like the great bustard, little bustard, and Montagu’s harrier.
📅 When: From Friday, June 27 at 12:00 PM to Sunday, June 29 at 11:59 PM.
📤 How to participate: During this period, you’ll be able to upload your photographs via a platform created for the festival.
📌 The upload link will be activated on Friday at 12:00 PM, during the opening ceremony at the Palau, and will be available on this same page.
📄 You can already review the full guidelines prepared by AEFONA, which include the participation details and platform (upload link will go live at the indicated time):
👉 Access the guidelines here
Welcome
Auditorium 2 - Leandre Cristòfol (2nd floor)
Meeting point
Salvaje Fest will open with an institutional welcome ceremony featuring representatives from partner organizations and local institutions. The event will be hosted by Mr. Paco Castillo López and will include the participation of: a representative from the municipal council; a representative from the Provincial Government; the president of the CEF, Ms. Montse González; and the president of FEDCAT, Mr. Jordi Argilá.
Nature and conservation tourism
Auditorium 2 - Leandre Cristòfol (2nd floor)
Meeting point
A reflection on the role of nature tourism in preserving natural and cultural heritage. The talk will explore approaches, challenges, and opportunities from the Foundation’s perspective.
Official presentation of the Untamed Spain project
Auditorium 2 - Leandre Cristòfol (2nd floor)
Meeting point
This session will publicly introduce Untamed Spain, a national project promoted by Turespaña to position Spain as a leading destination for nature tourism, wildlife photography, and creative connection to the wild.
Speakers will share initial results and key achievements, with highlights such as Salvaje Fest, and outline the project’s future direction. The focus will be on sustainability, artistic engagement, and meaningful territorial activation.
A unique opportunity to discover how Spain is building a new narrative for nature—real, shared and transformative.
Opening 5th AEFONA Photography Contest: Photography for Conservation
Plaza del Palau de Congressos La Llotja (Outer area)
Meeting point
This is a large-format outdoor exhibition featuring the winning images from the AEFONA Conservation Photography Contest. The competition featured 129 photographers and 2,127 submitted images, as well as international entries from France, Italy, Mexico, India, and other countries.
More information about the contest is available at: concursoaefona.com
Opening AEFONA excellence in nature photography
Plaza del Palau de Congressos La Llotja (Outer area)
Meeting point
An exhibition featuring selected works by AEFONA photographers that comprise a collection that seeks to showcase the excellence of nature and travel photography.
Opening NATUR(ART’S) exhibition
Main lobby - Enric Granados (2nd floor)
Meeting point
Exhibition of 18 works by 9 artists from the Grup Cultural Art’s, Lleida.
The media presented is varied:
1. Albert Lluc. 2 Paintings
2. Ramón Ruiz. 2 Sculptures
3. Joan Bosch. 2 Drawings
4. Amadeu Bonet. 2 Sculptures
5. Josep Pascual. 2 Paintings
6. Rafa Borlansa. 2 Sculptures
7. Jordi Rosell. 2 Ceramics
8. Jordi Balasch. 2 Watercolors
9. Jordi Prenafeta. 2 Sculptures
The Grup Cultural Art’s is a collective that began in 2022 with a group of photographers and painters. It currently brings together more than 30 artists from different disciplines: photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, music, ceramics, poetry, audiovisuals, design, etc.
Roundtable: Nature tourism — challenges and opportunities
Auditorium 2 - Leandre Cristòfol (2nd floor)
Meeting point
This roundtable will discuss current trends and challenges in the nature tourism sector, with the participation of key experts, companies, and associations.
Topics will include sustainability, innovation in tourism products, and how ecotourism can contribute to environmental conservation while generating economic benefits for local communities.
It’s a unique opportunity to explore the best practices and the future of this growing tourism segment.
Participants are yet to be confirmed.
Screening of the film “Panteras”
Auditorium 2 - Leandre Cristòfol (2nd floor)
Meeting point
Panteras is a documentary film by Andoni Canela and his son Unai, the result of a year-long journey across several continents in search of the planet’s great wild cats: from the snow leopard in Central Asia to the Bengal tiger, the African lion, and the jaguar in the Americas.
This screening offers an immersive visual experience that blends art, photography, and conservation, through a personal and emotional narrative that connects generations, cultures, and endangered species. A powerful way to end the day, guided by the beauty of the untamed world.
Live and collaborative mural painting: Muralizing the Ilerdian Steppe
Plaza del Palau de Congressos La Llotja (Outer area)
Meeting point
Have you seen the giant canvas outside? On it, we invite you to move from talk to action (and from brush to landscape). To get a better idea of what we mean, don’t miss Loubé’s talk “Muralizing Biodiversity.”
During Salvaje Fest, Loubé will be collectively painting a mural about the steppes of Lleida—an often overlooked ecosystem full of life, stories, and surprising species. It’s a condensed glimpse into the kind of community projects she usually carries out in villages, schools, and interpretation centers.
There will be open participatory workshops for anyone who wants to join in—whether to draw, paint, observe, or simply share ideas. No background in art or birds is needed—just a desire to connect, learn, and engage with the natural world.
Just one tip: wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy!
Wolf territory
Auditorium 2 - Leandre Cristòfol (2nd floor)
Meeting point
A visual and reflective journey through the landscapes of the Iberian wolf across the Peninsula. With over 30 years of fieldwork in Spain and Portugal, Canela presents unpublished images captured in the wild —from the Pyrenees, the Cantabrian Mountains, Galicia, and the Sierra de Guadarrama, to the Castilian plains and Portugal— offering insight into the wolf’s ecology and its role in the ecosystem.
Muralizing Biodiversity: Art and Environmental Psychology
Auditorium 2 - Leandre Cristòfol (2nd floor)
Meeting point
This talk gives context and meaning to what’s happening outside—have you seen the giant canvas? It’s a mural that will come to life throughout Salvaje Fest, created collectively in open workshops. Inside, we’ll dive into the less visible—but equally important—side of the process: how environmental psychology helps us understand why art can be such a powerful tool to reconnect with the nature around us.
Through real-life experiences in schools, villages, and natural spaces, scientific research, and the occasional technical term (but not too many), we’ll explore how participatory murals are not just brushstrokes on a wall, but dormant spaces that awaken when filled with community, knowledge, and a sense of belonging.
Because sometimes, we don’t need to change the world—just the way we relate to what surrounds us.
The Art of Remaining Silent
Auditorium 2 - Leandre Cristòfol (2nd floor)
Meeting point
The Art of Silence is a talk about disappearing in order to observe, capture, and narrate without disturbance. Beyond technique, it offers a reflection on invisibility as both a form of respect and a narrative language: hiding not to attract nature, but to see more clearly, listen more deeply, and give voice to those who are usually unseen.
Digital Drawing Workshop
Main lobby - Enric Granados (2nd floor)
Meeting point
We will go through the step-by-step process of creating a digital illustration. We’ll start with the selection of equipment and software, and then dive into the execution of the artwork.
Rgistration required. Sign up here
Workshop: Live and collaborative mural painting: Muralizing the Ilerdian Steppe
Plaza del Palau de Congressos La Llotja (Outer area)
Meeting point
Have you seen the giant canvas outside? On it, we invite you to move from talk to action (and from brush to landscape). To get a better idea of what we mean, don’t miss Loubé’s talk “Muralizing Biodiversity.”
During Salvaje Fest, Loubé will be collectively painting a mural about the steppes of Lleida—an often overlooked ecosystem full of life, stories, and surprising species. It’s a condensed glimpse into the kind of community projects she usually carries out in villages, schools, and interpretation centers.
There will be open participatory workshops for anyone who wants to join in—whether to draw, paint, observe, or simply share ideas. No background in art or birds is needed—just a desire to connect, learn, and engage with the natural world.
Just one tip: wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy!
Mandatory registration: Register here
The Management of the Buixcarró Estate
Auditorium 2 - Leandre Cristòfol (2nd floor)
Meeting point
This presentation will describe how, starting from a heavily degraded forest estate affected by various processes, the Foundation began working towards its environmental restoration. The approach has been based on research and integrated land management. The surrounding environment and the Foundation’s main lines of work will be outlined, with a special focus on how photography plays a key role in bringing local wildlife and nature closer to the general public.
YERBA, The Green Heart of Transhumance
Auditorium 2 - Leandre Cristòfol (2nd floor)
Meeting point
A Smart and Sustainable Way of Life
Grass, ruminants, and shepherds form a vital trio sustaining life in some of the most challenging and extreme regions on Earth—where agriculture is not viable.
Transhumance is not an inefficient or outdated method of livestock production, but rather a survival strategy in the planet’s most inhospitable areas, and one of the most climate-smart systems for providing healthy and sustainable diets.
This is especially relevant in disadvantaged areas, where the main source of high-quality protein (meat or milk) comes from livestock.
Recognizing its importance, the United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, and in 2023, UNESCO included transhumance in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
This seasonal movement could be described as a “green army” that clears land and enriches soil health, while transforming grass and brush into meat, wool, and milk.
It supports the persistence of native breeds and helps stabilize rural populations.
Moreover, free-range livestock ensures animal welfare and the production of healthy and ethically sustainable meat.
Despite its many strengths, transhumance is in clear decline, and transhumant herders are becoming relics of the past.
Photography: A Tool for Connection and Reflection
Photography, with its ability to capture moments that transcend words, becomes a powerful tool for storytelling.
It invites the viewer to establish a deeper emotional connection with the subject and inspires reflection and dialogue.
The purpose of this presentation is to shed light on a meaningful story, using photography as a medium to explore and communicate the environmental, social, cultural, and economic value of transhumant herders.
As Jacques Cousteau once said: “People protect only what they love, and they love only what they know.”
Painting the light of Doñana
Auditorium 2 - Leandre Cristòfol (2nd floor)
Meeting point
The talk will begin with an introduction to Doñana’s relationship with art, especially painting, reviewing some key figures in its history.
It will continue with my experience working in Doñana and my approach to life work, concluding with a tour of my usual workspaces, discussing some of the most significant works from each season.
The role of nature photography competitions
The role of nature photography competitions
Auditorium 2 - Leandre Cristòfol (2nd floor)
Meeting point
A roundtable with representatives from some of the most renowned nature photography contests in the Iberian region: MontPhoto, Memorial María Luisa, FotoFIO, and Delta Photo Contest. A space to reflect on how these competitions contribute to conservation, highlight photographic talent, and strengthen the connection between art and nature.
Nature photography and illustration, for the love of art.
Auditorium 2 - Leandre Cristòfol (2nd floor)
Meeting point
When someone feels a sense of curiosity, it’s hard to ignore it. Fortunately for Félix F. Calvillo, all the interests he feels are complementary and perfectly compatible. We’re talking about nature, birds, photography, painting, drawing…
Although his main activity is focused on photography, his talk will be primarily based on digital illustration.
Screening of the documentary “Mediterraneum”
Auditorium 2 - Leandre Cristòfol (2nd floor)
Meeting point
Life unfolds in the Mediterranean across varied landscapes full of contrasts. The sea leaves its mark on all its creatures. Wind, snow, water, and sun have shaped the essence of the Mediterranean landscape, creating a unique and admirable world and landscape.
Walk through the wildlife murals of Ivars d’Urgell
Ivars d'Urgell
Join us for a special walk through the town of Ivars d’Urgell, guided by Amics de la Foto Lleida, to discover a unique community art project: a series of murals dedicated to the local wildlife. Along the way, we’ll learn about the creation process, the stories behind each piece, and how urban art can also be a powerful tool for conservation.
This one-hour walk—done in two small groups—is easy and accessible for all audiences. A chance to experience nature in a different way: not through the lens of a hide, but through the painted walls that reflect our shared connection to the wild.
Sunset Photo Walk at Estany d’Ivars i Vila-sana
Ivars and Vila-sana pond
A one-hour sunset walk through Estany d’Ivars i Vila-sana, one of Catalonia’s most important wetland areas.
Organized with Amics de la Foto Lleida, the activity will guide two small groups through walkways, observatories, and riverside forest, offering a chance to enjoy and photograph the unique landscapes and biodiversity of the area. Easy difficulty, suitable for all audiences.
Torres de Segre: Storks and Camargue Horses
Torres de Segre
An early morning walk through one of the most unique landscapes in the Segrià area: riverside environments, stork colonies, and the unexpected presence of Camargue horses.
The activity includes observation and bird photography from accessible paths and bird hides, including areas near the waste treatment center—an unlikely but rich spot for photographing birds in flight.
Early Morning Visit to Parc de la Mitjana
Mitjana Park
An early morning walk through Parc de la Mitjana, a natural space near the city that offers a rich mosaic of riparian landscapes.
Organized with Amics de la Foto Lleida, the activity includes stops at observatories, a wooden bridge, and areas featuring nature-inspired mural art.
The routes are adapted and accessible, with low difficulty, making it ideal for all audiences interested in experiencing and photographing biodiversity in an urban nature reserve.
Morning Walk through Raimat Natura
Raitmat Natura
An early morning visit to Raimat Natura, a natural area that blends wetlands and vineyards into a unique landscape.
Organized with Amics de la Foto Lleida, the route will take participants through wooden walkways, observation points, and the reservoirs that punctuate this extraordinary environment.
An easy, accessible activity ideal for enjoying and photographing the connection between nature and rural landscapes.
Backlit Photography of Stork Nests at Sunrise and Slow Shutter Photography of the Segre River
Backlit Photography of Stork Nests at Sunrise and Slow Shutter Photography of the Segre River
Solsona
Guided by Photo Logistics and with the collaboration of OM SYSTEM, this activity offers participants the chance to test professional photography equipment on-site, thanks to the brand’s gear loan service available during the session.
The outing will consist of two complementary parts. In the first, participants will focus on capturing the landscapes of the Segre River using long exposure techniques to create silky water effects and dreamlike atmospheres. A tripod is essential for this session, which is ideal for practicing creative photography in the soft light of dawn.
In the second part, the focus will shift to backlighting techniques to photograph the silhouettes of stork nests against the morning sky, capturing the interaction between wildlife and light in a peaceful riverside setting.
The magic of blurs
Auditorium 2 - Leandre Cristòfol (2nd floor)
Meeting point
In this talk, Mario Suárez will talk about the magic of blur in nature photography, something that captivates him and that he tries to apply to his shots whenever possible.
For Mario, blur can transform a simple photograph into a shot full of art and emotion, just as a painting can convey, creating images full of expressiveness and sensitivity.
A well-applied blur gives special prominence to the photographed natural element, even lending it a beautiful mysterious touch.
He will explore the more artistic side of blur, explaining his creative and inspiring process and how we can achieve them.
Mural Art in Environmental Education
Auditorium 2 - Leandre Cristòfol (2nd floor)
Meeting point
The talk is a presentation of my work as an artist and its connection to ecology and the communication of environmental messages. I will focus in particular on my mural paintings created to promote ecological values and respect for the environment. These works have been commissioned by Foundations, Museums, Nature Centers, Farms, Municipalities, Hotels, Associations, and Wellness Centers. I will show images of my projects in Spain and abroad, as well as workshops carried out with both young people and adults.
The Mar Menor: The Magical Lagoon
Auditorium 2 - Leandre Cristòfol (2nd floor)
Meeting point
Talk about the coastal lagoon of the Mar Menor, a unique ecosystem that has suffered significant environmental changes in recent years.
AEFONA Photography for Conservation Contest Award Ceremony
Auditorium 2 - Leandre Cristòfol (2nd floor)
Meeting point
This ceremony will honor the best photographs from the AEFONA Photography for Conservation Contest. It’s a celebration of the creativity and dedication of photographers who capture the beauty of nature and contribute to conservation. The event will highlight the winning images that best portray the biodiversity and landscapes of our natural world.
The flow of the gaze
Auditorium 2 - Leandre Cristòfol (2nd floor)
Meeting point
Isabel’s photographic work is imbued with a certain mystery, which comes from her ability to merge the tangible with the abstract. In the talk, Isabel will explain how her vision has evolved from her first slides to her current work, identifying the main turning points and their triggers.
The forest that shouldn’t have mattered and the birds that brought it back
The forest that shouldn’t have mattered and the birds that brought it back
Auditorium 2 - Leandre Cristòfol (2nd floor)
Meeting point
Colombia is one of the countries with the greatest bird diversity in the world, but many of its most extraordinary species barely appear on maps. This talk offers a visual and narrative journey through some of these cases: threatened hummingbirds, newly described antpittas, and ant-chasing ground cuckoos. Through short stories, photographs, and videos, we will explore how birds can help us tell stories about conservation, land, and ecological crisis.
Alejandra Rendón, photographer and conservation storyteller, shares in this talk her way of seeing and working: from a scientific perspective, but also from a perspective of doubt, storytelling, and attention to the invisible. She invites us to understand why what happens to these species is not unrelated: their stories also speak of us, of our ways of inhabiting the world, and of the possible futures we are losing or building.
