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National Geographic Borneo Story
Editorial · Illustration

National Geographic Borneo Story

National Geographic's August issue, focusing on the crucial topic of biodiversity loss in Borneo.

National Geographic logo
Client
National Geographic
Year
2024
Category
Editorial
Role
Illustration
Project

National Geographic's August 2024 issue

Over the past century, the region has faced a significant decline in its rich wildlife, caused mostly by human activities. Ecologist Erik Meijaard's efforts to protect the remaining fauna, including the endangered orangutan, are at the heart of this story. My illustrations accompany the article titled "Hundred Years of Borneo" (EN) / "Borneo, Honderd Jaar Later" (NL), visually bringing to life the challenges and hopes of conservation in this unique and threatened ecosystem.

Illustration of a jungle scene featuring a large orangutan hanging from a tree, two explorers observing and pointing towards the orangutan, one explorer looking through binoculars, a colorful bird perched on a branch, and lush tropical plants and flowers. Open magazine with colorful jungle illustration on the right page and a written article on the left page, placed on a purple surface with shadows.

It was a pleasure to illustrate for National Geographic's August issue, focusing on the crucial topic of biodiversity loss in Borneo. Over the past century, the region has faced a significant decline in its rich wildlife, caused mostly by human activities. Ecologist Erik Meijaard's efforts to protect the remaining fauna, including the endangered orangutan are at the heart of this story.

Illustration of a mother orangutan with an orange coat holding her young orangutan with a similar coat, both sitting on a black background. Open magazine with an illustration of a monkey holding a baby monkey and a yellow-covered National Geographic magazine showing a blurred cityscape with a river and the Eiffel Tower. Open magazines, one showing a colorful illustration of a jungle scene with two people, animals, and lush plants, and the other showing an aerial photo of a city with water and bridges.

Through my illustrations I aimed to emphasize not only the current state of Borneo's wildlife but also the efforts being made to preserve these vital habitats, as well as their beauty. It is a story of both loss and hope, and I hope my artwork help convey the importance of conservation initiatives in this unique part of the world.

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