Fernando Faciole is a conservation photographer, biologist and National Geographic Explorer from São Paulo, Brazil. His connection to nature began in childhood, largely spent in a trailer surrounded by wildlife — an experience that shaped his lifelong commitment to conservation storytelling. He is a member of the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP), becoming the youngest Brazilian and only the third from Brazil to join this prestigious network. Faciole documents urgent conservation stories focused on endangered species and threatened ecosystems. His images and stories have been published by leading outlets such as National Geographic magazine and BBC Wildlife Magazine. His accolades include the Impact Award at Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025, the Public Award at the Environmental Photography Award (2024 and 2025), the Panda Award at the Wildscreen Festival (2022), and inclusion on the 2024 Forbes Under 30 Brazil list. One of his images was also selected for National Geographic’s Pictures of the Year 2025 collection. With support from the National Geographic Society, he is currently documenting the critically endangered giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus) in Brazil’s Rio Doce State Park, located in the Atlantic Forest, highlighting its conservation challenges and protection efforts.

Photo by Fernando Faciole