The Prince expresses deep sorrow over the passing of the renowned Brazilian photographer, who died due to leukemia complications.
Prince Albert II of Monaco expressed his profound sadness following the death of Sebastião Salgado, a distinguished Brazilian photographer, who passed away from complications related to severe leukemia on November 4, 2023. Salgado's condition developed after he contracted a specific strain of malaria while working on his photographic project 'Genesis' in Indonesia in 2010. He was 80 years old at the time of his death.
In an official statement released from the Prince's Palace in Monaco, Prince Albert II hailed Salgado as a 'world-renowned photographer' whose 'masterful black-and-white work transcended borders and cultures.' Salgado’s career spanned more than five decades during which he, alongside his wife Lélia Wanick Salgado, created a vast body of work characterized by its deeply humanistic content.
The Prince had established a close relationship with Salgado since their first meeting in Monaco in 2012 and had actively supported initiatives by the photographer's organization, 'O Instituto Terra.' This reforestation project, founded in Aimorés, Minas Gerais, Brazil, has successfully planted over three million trees to combat deforestation and promote ecological recovery.
In his tribute, Prince Albert II emphasized the significance of Salgado's projects, stating, 'I had the honor of supporting the initiatives of his Foundation, a genuine model of ecological resilience.
The remarkable efforts he and his wife led were among the most notable reforestation initiatives in Brazil.'
This collaboration was further highlighted in May 2020 when Prince Albert co-signed a petition initiated by Salgado to protect indigenous peoples in Brazil, who faced increased risks from the
COVID-19 pandemic.
The Prince expressed his anticipation for their future engagements, notably at COP30, where Salgado's voice was expected to resonate powerfully once again.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to Salgado’s wife, family, and loved ones.
Salgado is survived by his wife Lélia, their sons Juliano and Rodrigo, and grandchildren Flávio and Nara.