A New Generation of Conservation: The "New Big Five" Takes Center Stage
In a bold move, British photographer Graeme Green has reimagined the term "Big Five," traditionally used to describe the most elusive game animals in Africa. Green's vision is not for hunters but for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists worldwide. The "New Big Five" refers to five majestic creatures that need our attention: elephants, polar bears, lions, gorillas, and tigers.
The initiative was born out of a chance encounter during Green's assignment in Botswana over a decade ago. He envisioned a project that would encourage people to capture the essence of wildlife through photography rather than hunting. The idea quickly gained momentum, with 50,000 people from around the globe voting for their favorite animals to photograph or see photographed in the wild.
The "New Big Five" photography book, featuring works by renowned wildlife photographers and essays by conservationists like Jane Goodall, has finally hit the shelves. The book showcases stunning images of these iconic species, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts. Green's vision is not only to raise awareness but also to inspire action towards preserving our planet's precious biodiversity.
The statistics are alarming. According to the United Nations, one million animal and plant species are facing extinction due to human activities. The "New Big Five" serves as a powerful reminder of what we stand to lose if we fail to act. However, it also offers hope by pointing to potential solutions, such as rewilding and the importance of indigenous communities in conservation.
The book's publication coincides with a growing recognition of the need for collective action to protect our planet's natural heritage. Green's initiative serves as a call to earth, urging us all to take responsibility for preserving the beauty and diversity of our world. As Goodall so eloquently puts it, "We have a window of time during which we can start to heal some of the harm we have inflicted on the natural world, but only if we get together and take action now."
"The New Big Five: A Global Photography Project For Endangered Wildlife" by Graeme Green is available for purchase from April 4, 2023. This story has been updated to reflect the range of issues covered by the book.
In a bold move, British photographer Graeme Green has reimagined the term "Big Five," traditionally used to describe the most elusive game animals in Africa. Green's vision is not for hunters but for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists worldwide. The "New Big Five" refers to five majestic creatures that need our attention: elephants, polar bears, lions, gorillas, and tigers.
The initiative was born out of a chance encounter during Green's assignment in Botswana over a decade ago. He envisioned a project that would encourage people to capture the essence of wildlife through photography rather than hunting. The idea quickly gained momentum, with 50,000 people from around the globe voting for their favorite animals to photograph or see photographed in the wild.
The "New Big Five" photography book, featuring works by renowned wildlife photographers and essays by conservationists like Jane Goodall, has finally hit the shelves. The book showcases stunning images of these iconic species, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts. Green's vision is not only to raise awareness but also to inspire action towards preserving our planet's precious biodiversity.
The statistics are alarming. According to the United Nations, one million animal and plant species are facing extinction due to human activities. The "New Big Five" serves as a powerful reminder of what we stand to lose if we fail to act. However, it also offers hope by pointing to potential solutions, such as rewilding and the importance of indigenous communities in conservation.
The book's publication coincides with a growing recognition of the need for collective action to protect our planet's natural heritage. Green's initiative serves as a call to earth, urging us all to take responsibility for preserving the beauty and diversity of our world. As Goodall so eloquently puts it, "We have a window of time during which we can start to heal some of the harm we have inflicted on the natural world, but only if we get together and take action now."
"The New Big Five: A Global Photography Project For Endangered Wildlife" by Graeme Green is available for purchase from April 4, 2023. This story has been updated to reflect the range of issues covered by the book.