Brunei's natural rainforest amazes nature photographer

THE wonders of Brunei's rainforest have often been remarked upon, but when such high praise comes from an established nature photographer who has worked in the jungles of Amazon and Africa, the compliment is all the more special.

"You have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful rainforest ecosystem," says Jorge Camilo Valenzuela. "Amazing. Very nice."

Jorge should know, as he has first-hand experience of the sultanate's forests; to get the photos for his upcoming book, Borneo: In the Heart of the Primary Forest, he immersed himself in the Bornean jungle of Brunei and Malaysia for six months.

He has already published another book, Amazonian, which showcases photos of the forests and animals in that region. A self-described "citizen of the world" and "jungle spirit", he has worked in all the world's tropical forests.

Requiring only the help of local guides to point him in the right direction, he works alone for months at a time. His books and other published works serve to spread the message of nature appreciation and conservation through his selected photos of the wild.

"I love jungles, I love animals and I respect them," he says. "I try to do my best (to spread) the message of (environmental conservation) through my photography."

This is Jorge's second stay in Brunei. While here, he hopes to share his love for nature with some local children.

He has a nature programme planned with a local school next week, but refuses to reveal more details, saying that his work and time with students is something he wants to keep personal.

He has done similar educational programmes in other parts of the world, choosing schools in rural areas that are not far removed from the forests.

"It's very important," he says of his programme. "Very important, because the children are the future generation. It is very important for them to learn what is in front of them."

He also hopes to hold an exhibition on his work here, possibly in June or July next year, given his busy schedule.

Jorge insists that the exhibition, if it is to take place, should be free and open to the public.

He also plans to include sounds of the forests in the exhibition.

A passionate advocate of environmental education, he hopes the exhibition will be seen by his most important audience.

"It will also be interesting to make the exhibition and show (the exhibits) to the children," he muses.

The Brunei Times