BELÉN

The images were taken at Belén Market in Iquitos, Peru, a city deep within the Amazon rainforest, accessible only by boat or plane. While the market is often portrayed as a global hotspot for illegal wildlife trade and poaching, the reality is far more complex: widespread poverty and a lack of alternatives mean that many residents rely on wildlife as a primary source of food and income. Captured in a place where photography is generally not permitted, these images reveal the tension between conservation narratives and empathy for the individuals whose lives are shaped by circumstances beyond their control.

Year:

2025

Location:

Iquitos, Peru

Category:

Photojournalism

Role:

End-to-End Production

Commissioned by:

RAREC

Agency:

Independent Production

Year:

2025

Location:

Iquitos, Peru

Category:

Photojournalism

Role:

End-to-End Production

Commissioned by:

RAREC

Agency:

Independent Production

Year:

2025

Location:

Iquitos, Peru

Category:

Photojournalism

Role:

End-to-End Production

Commissioned by:

RAREC

Agency:

Independent Production

RAREC is a nonprofit organization working at the very center of the issue, dedicated to giving animals confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade a second chance. Beyond rescue and rehabilitation, the organization emphasizes the importance of community engagement and long-term education. They strive for long-term change by teaching local children about the value of their natural environment.

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