As journalists, authors, and photographers, our work shapes how history remembers the world. But in 2025, the fight to preserve this work feels more urgent than ever. Digital fragility and denialism threaten to erode the integrity of our stories, making preservation a moral imperative.

Decades of photojournalism, often captured under the most challenging conditions, are at risk of being lost to time. Physical deterioration, outdated formats, publications disappearing, and the relentless advance of technology leave archives vulnerable. Worse, the rise of misinformation and digital manipulation has created a world where the authenticity of images can no longer be taken for granted.

The hurdles faced today have sparked a strong push among journalists and photojournalists to safeguard their work for future generations. Embracing cutting-edge technologies to shield their archives from loss or manipulation, some are turning to decentralized storage solutions and cryptographic verification tools. Fully aware that digitization is but one step towards actual preservation, these efforts go beyond safeguarding files — they aim to preserve the integrity and context of the stories they tell.

The loss of an archive is a tragedy not only for the creator but for the communities their work represents. Entire histories risk being forgotten, misrepresented, or erased, creating “history deserts.” Preservation is not just about keeping the past alive; it’s also about ensuring future generations can access reliable, untampered documentation of our world.

In 2025, we must act decisively. The question isn’t whether our stories will survive, but whether they’ll survive intact — and whether the truth they carry will endure in the face of new challenges. By embracing preservation as a shared responsibility, we can ensure that the work of journalists and photographers continues to illuminate the past, shape the present, and inform the future.