Reflecting on my life
Two weeks of rainforest exploration with YACHAK You can also find out more about the following: One Tree Planted “I was deeply affected by two realities last year,” says the photographer Chris Poplawski explained. First, the jungle is beautiful and thriving when left unattended. It also hosts a number of amazing creatures. The threat of deforestation, unfortunately, is a second concern. Real Estate .”
As part of a reforestation photo competition called The Amazon Assignment sponsored by the beverage brand YACHAK Yerba Mate, Poplawski was sent to the Brazilian Amazon where he documented the work of non-profit One Tree Planted. His photographs are now available through Shutterstock’s Reforestation collection. The proceeds of licensing the images go to support the reforestation of the Amazon.
The photographer visited Cristalino Lodge in the Amazon to see a bird sanctuary. This ecotourism destination, which he described as “unique” was reached by an off-roading journey from a small part of Brazil called Alta Floresta. “It’s paradise.”
Along the way, Poplawski also saw signs of loss as he traveled: In conversation with Shutterstock he remembered standing in smokey field where trees once grew. At sunset one evening, Poplawski saw ash falling from the burning landscape. “When people refer to the rainforest as being on fire, this is more than just a headline,” he said. It’s difficult to grasp the enormity of this tragedy until you see it for yourself. “I hope people will be inspired by these images to learn more about our environment.”
One Tree Plantted is a partner of SOS Amazonia a non-profit organization that works to promote environmental awareness and protect Amazonian biodiversity. Louis Lagoutte, from One Tree Planted said that the proceeds from Reforestation Collection would help them restore deforested land while achieving a balance between agriculture and wild forest.
One of Poplawski’s images, now part of The Reforestation collection, shows a Castanheira against an orange-colored sky. He shared the following on Instagram: “The Castanheira is a symbol of the changes happening here. It’s the reason I share it so much.” It produces Brazilian nuts only when it is near other trees.
They stood alone and without production in the fields of most farmers. Sign of what was once there. I have never seen the aftermath of deforestation so clearly. The need for reforestation is more evident than ever.