Environmental Photography

We created this section of our website to highlight environmental issues. Human activities often take a significant toll on nature, even if it’s not always immediately obvious. The relationship between humans and nature is something we want to highlight, especially since it can sometimes feel like that connection is slipping away. Each of these pictures tells a story; one we hope will raise awareness about the impact of human actions on the environment, past and present. Where possible, we also want to point out solutions and inspire action toward a more sustainable future.

Giant Tree

Alishan, Taiwan

Once abundant, these towering giants are now rare survivors of extensive logging. Rising above the younger, human-planted forests, these ancient trees stand as natural wonders, forming entire ecosystems that support a rich diversity of life. In Taiwan’s mountainous regions, often at elevations above 2,000 meters, you can still witness these beautiful old trees.

Washed-Up Coastal Waste

Tsushima, Japan

Due to poor waste management and ocean currents, large amounts of debris from China, Korea, and Japan accumulate on the shores of Tsushima Island. Coastal waste is a global issue, causing severe harm to wildlife and ecosystems. Beach clean-ups and awareness campaigns are vital steps toward addressing this problem and protecting our oceans.

Palm Oil Plantations and Pygmy Elephants

Kinabatangan, Malaysia

The high concentration of wildlife along the Kinabatangan River is unfortunately tied to the widespread deforestation of rainforests, which reduces natural habitats for these animals. Much of the cleared land is converted into palm oil plantations, forcing wildlife, including endangered pygmy elephants, to adapt to shrinking and fragmented ecosystems.

Hermit Crabs

Green Island, Taiwan

Hermit crabs often struggle to find suitable shells, which are becoming increasingly scarce. As a result, many are forced to use human waste, like bottle caps or plastic, as makeshift homes, which can harm them. Be mindful: while it’s tempting to collect shells as souvenirs, leaving them on the beach helps ensure these adorable crabs have safe and natural shelters.

Sky Lanterns

Shifen, Taiwan

While sky lanterns create a stunning spectacle, they inevitably end up scattered across the surrounding nature, posing risks to wildlife that may become entangled or ingest parts of them. Fortunately, most lanterns are made from biodegradable materials, and after festivals, many volunteers help clean up the remnants in the forests. However, the villages of Pingxi and Shifen in Taiwan remain popular year-round, with tourists eager to release lanterns into the sky, causing harm to the surrounding environment.

Glass Sand Beach

Omura, Japan

Glass Sand Beach was originally an uninviting, algae-covered rocky area that emitted a foul smell during the summer when they washed ashore and decomposed. To address this, local authorities replaced the rocks with pulverised recycled glass, preventing algae growth and transforming the site into an eco-friendly, visually appealing beach. This initiative repurposes waste glass but also supports local wildlife (attracting more shells and other marine life) and enhances the habitat in Omura Bay.