Jose Gabriel "Gab" Mejia 2016, conservation photographer, multimedia artist, environmental engineer, and author, has been named as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardees for 2024.

During the announcement ceremony held in Quezon City on Sunday, Dec. 15, Mejia was recognized in the Arts and Culture category for his use of photography, multimedia art, and environmental engineering to advocate for socio-environmental justice and conservation.

Mejia's work has been featured in National Geographic, Vogue Philippines, CNN, and many other platforms. He is known for his work focusing on climate crisis, biodiversity loss, indigenous knowledge, and cultural interconnections.

Mejia is a National Geographic Explorer and has received several awards for his impactful storytelling and photography. Below is a list of his past projects and achievements:

Projects

Guardians of the Marsh: This project focuses on the Agusan Marshlands, uncovering Asia's forgotten wetland jewel in today's changing climate and society.

The Animals We Are: A project exploring the interconnectedness of humans and animals.

The Passage of Storms: A documentary work delving into the long-lasting impact of super typhoons on local communities.

Achievements

National Geographic Explorer: Mejia has been a National Geographic Explorer since 2018.

Forbes 30 Under 30: He was recognized in the Arts category for Asia in 2021.

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) International President’s Youth Award: Awarded in 2021 for his contributions to conservation.

Climate Pledge Fund Grant: Awarded by the National Geographic Society in 2023 to explore the complexities of Philippine forests.

Jackson Wild Media Lab Fellow: Selected in 2019 for natural-history filmmaking and science communication.

International League of Conservation Photographers Fellowship: Accepted into the Emerging League Program in 2021.

Gab Mejia finished his bachelor's of science in civil engineering at U.P. Diliman.

Link to article on Gab Mejia:

Talking to Gab Mejia - recognized under the Forbes 30 under 30 Asia 2021 - Modern Diplomacy

photo credit: moderndiplomacy.eu