Reflection

My inspiration came from a small, unexpected moment: finding a caterpillar on a citrus tree during the COVID-19 lockdown. That tiny creature would change the course of my life. As I followed its transformation, I became fascinated. I began raising caterpillars, researching butterfly species, and building a collection of butterfly photographs. What started as curiosity soon became a passion, one that carried me far beyond my garden. This journey led me to forests across Thailand, where I met researchers, rangers, and fellow nature lovers. Together, we searched for butterflies, shared stories, and went on unforgettable trips. Exploring nature didn't just expand my knowledge, it opened me to new communities, experiences, and perspectives. That, to me, is the most meaningful gift nature has given. As I spent time in nature, I grew deeply attached to it, and began to see how vulnerable it was to climate change and habitat loss. More and more species are becoming extinct, like the Bhutan Glory butterfly, whose absence still haunts the butterfly community. I felt a responsibility to act and protect what I had come to love. This led me to launch conservation projects like Future Forest, and share my passion through talks, social media sites, and scientific research. Through this piece, and reflecting on my personal journey, I’ve realized that something as simple as a walk in the garden can change everything. I hope my film encourages others to take that first step outside, to observe, to fall in love with the natural world, and to understand just how worth saving it is.