Gab Mejia was recognised for his work in arts in the Forbes 30 under 30 Asia list 2021. His work in photography is award-winning. He is also the recipient of the National Geographic grant, where he works to highlight Asia’s forgotten wetland jewel – the Agusan Marshlands, in the Philippines.
Tell us more about how you got into photography?
I was a mountaineer first before I became a photographer. It was during my time in the mountains that I was truly inspired to get my very first camera and capture the beautiful moments I have personally experienced with these glorious landscapes. Each image is a scene frozen in time where I have learnt a thing or two about the world: from eating exotic cuisines, experiencing cultures, meeting new people, camping under the stars, climbing mountains, to diving into oceans and everything in between. Every place and moment of every picture will always be a living reminder that in all its entirety, it forms part of who I am today.
What project have you been working on as a part of the Nat Geo grant?
As part of the National Geographic grant, I’ve worked on the Agusan Marshlands in the Philippines, which aimed to uncover Asia’s forgotten wetland jewel in today’s changing climate and society. During the peak of the pandemic, I also worked on the story of the wildlife rangers in the Philippines, specifically the Tamaraw rangers who are dedicated to protecting and conserving one of the rarest and endangered wild dwarf buffalo called the Tamaraw. I explored the effects of the pandemic on their livelihoods and how it hampered the conservation efforts in keeping this critically-endangered species from the brink of extinction.
What specific areas of conservation are you looking into? Why?
I specifically cover issues related to the intersectionality between the conservation of the environment and the relationships people share with such important ecosystems and wildlife species— because I believe that we can only truly conserve nature through an inclusive means built on the foundations of nuanced understanding of the different lenses on how people depend and relate to such significant ecosystems and services. Only by protecting and listening to people, can we truly protect and conserve nature.
What projects are you keen to work on in the future?
I’m keen on working on more long form stories and narratives on conservation and the cultures that are intertwined with it.
What has been the most interesting project you have worked on so far?
I guess the most interesting project I’ve worked on so far was the Agusan Marshlands because it is such a complex conservation issue that dwells and asks more questions on who truly owns and care for this specific wetland, how people navigate such world impacted by climate change, and how cultures and societies change on such causality.
Do you think adventure sports play a role in developing interest in conservation and climate change?
Yes definitely— I believe adventure sports allows people to truly immerse and experience the bewildered lands and places we have. With an opportunity to be raw, people gain a deeper sense of appreciation and awareness of the environment that could potentially influence and lead people into developing more interest with nature. Once people are able to see, they will be able to know, and once they know, that is when people can start to care about issues related to nature and humanity such as conservation and climate change.
What is the first step towards climate change action for someone who is new to the movement?
I don’t think there is a definitive first step as everyone comes from a multitude of backgrounds with different degrees of awareness and exposure to movements on climate action. But if there is anything I can advice, it is to allow oneself to be open to the many individuals, communities, and organizations already working in these movement, who then can support one’s journey in navigating the many opportunities from activism, the arts, the sciences, to conservation initiatives that would be aligned to one’s individuality.
How can photography amplify the climate change movement?
Photography is one of the most powerful tools that can evoke emotions and move others. No one needs to know how to speak a certain language— it is as universal as the issue of climate change. Photography allows people to see the unjust realities and disproportionate stories of the impacts of the climate crisis that may have been ignored— more so it also allows us to open our eyes to the vision of the possible solutions that we can bring from indigenous cultures on what we can take forward in developing our interconnected world to a climate resilient society.
