Saving the Monarchs, by photographer Jaime Rojo, is a visual journey through the life cycle and migration of monarch butterflies, with a special emphasis on the environmental challenges they face and efforts to protect them. Few insects have captured our imagination like monarch butterflies. Their migration is an iconic wildlife spectacle in North America. However, their population has declined by 90 percent over the past four decades because of habitat loss from industrial agriculture, deforestation in their wintering grounds, and, more recently, extreme weather events fueled by climate change. From farmers to Indigenous communities, from researchers to citizen scientists, hundreds of people across North America are working to reverse this alarming trend and create a future where monarchs can thrive. In polarizing times, the struggle of these beloved butterflies offers an opportunity to rethink our relationship with the natural world, inspire hope, and unite three countries under a common goal: to save the monarchs.
The nonprofit National Geographic Society, committed to illuminating and protecting the wonder of our world, funded the work of National Geographic Explorer and photographer Jaime Rojo. Learn more about the Society’s support of Explorers at natgeo.com/impact.
Artist Bios
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Jaime Rojo
Jaime Rojo is a photographer and National Geographic Explorer with a background in environmental sciences who focuses on stories about wilderness and wildlife. His work, known for its compelling visual narrative, serves as a tool for conservation advocacy and raises awareness about environmental issues, wildlife and wilderness protection, and the relationship between people and nature.
His long-term project, Saving the Monarchs, was a National Geographic cover story in January 2024 that garnered global attention and won top honors in major photography competitions, including World Press Photo, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, and Pictures of the Year International.
Reaching past photography, Rojo collaborates as a creative director and communications adviser with environmental organizations, research institutions, and government agencies worldwide. His expertise in storytelling and conservation communication has made him a sought-after speaker for events including a recent TED talk.
A senior fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers and a trustee of the WILD Foundation, Rojo creates work that goes beyond capturing nature’s beauty—it drives action. Through his lens, he invites audiences to see the natural world not just as something to admire but as something worth protecting.
Headshot by: Gab B. Mejia
Organizations
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National Geographic
Representing the largest brand on social media with over 780 million followers and 1.1 billion impressions each month, National Geographic Content’s award-winning and critically acclaimed storytelling inspires fans of all ages to connect with, explore, and care about the world through factual storytelling. National Geographic Content, part of a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, reaches over 532 million people worldwide in 172 countries and 33 languages as a digital, social, and print publisher and across the global National Geographic channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO), National Geographic Documentary Films, and direct-to-consumer platforms Disney+ and Hulu. Established in 1888, National Geographic is a trusted print and digital publication that creates visually stunning, richly reported photojournalism and distinguished, impartial coverage of the globe’s most pressing issues. Visit nationalgeographic.com and natgeotv.com or explore Instagram, Threads, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit.
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NYC Parks
NYC Parks is the steward of more than 30,000 acres of land — 14 percent of New York City — including more than 5,000 individual properties ranging from Coney Island Beach and Central Park to community gardens and Greenstreets. We operate more than 800 athletic fields and nearly 1,000 playgrounds, 1,800 basketball courts, 550 tennis courts, 65 public pools, 51 recreational facilities, 15 nature centers, 14 golf courses, and 14 miles of beaches. We care for 1,200 monuments and 23 historic house museums. We look after 600,000 street trees, and two million more in parks. We are New York City’s principal providers of recreational and athletic facilities and programs. We are home to free concerts, world-class sports events, and cultural festivals.
Flight of the Monarchs
Featuring: Jaime Rojo
Locations
View Location Details Washington Street and Prospect StreetWashington Street and Prospect Street
DUMBO, Brooklyn 11201
Location open 24 hours
Read the story here: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/premium/article/monarch-butterfly-migration-endangered
The views and opinions expressed in this exhibit are those of the exhibition artists and partners and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Photoville or any other participants and partners of the Photoville Festival.
