For too long the story of Indonesian forests has been painted with the darkness of burning rainforests, disappearing species and displaced communities. Greedy palm oil companies, that only seem to be driven by the bottom line whatever the cost to humanity or biodiversity, have played a major role in this.
Little or nothing is known about the beauty of the spectacular Birds of Paradise that call the forests of Papua home. So far, around 40 different species of these birds have been found, and they’re considered by some to be among the most beautiful creatures on earth.
After ravaging the forests of Borneo and Sumatra, the palm oil industry has reached the final frontier, Papua, home to these Birds of Paradise. Both the birds and the forest could be lost if we allow these companies to continue.
That’s why street artists and volunteers from all over the world, from Melbourne to Taipei and Vienna to LA, are taking matters into their own hands.
Their mission is simple – to re-create the essence of the extravagant, brightly colored plumage, crazy courtship dances and bizarre behaviors of these birds in our cities through huge artworks on walls. To remind us of the constant threat to Indonesian wildlife, but also inspire us to act to protect it.
It’s time for us to stand together for the future of Indonesian forests. Artists, students, bird enthusiasts or consumers buying palm oil products in supermarkets, we need to come together and act.
Join this massive movement. Admire and get lost in the #WingsOfParadise artworks in your home city or on social media, or share your favourite piece with friends and start your own conversation about protecting the future of the forests and our planet.
This beautiful bird of paradise drawn by artist Ano in Taipei, Taiwan is just one of the many birds being displaced from their rainforest home. Photo: Greenpeace
A flock of paradise birds, by artist Urbanimal Jean, was also spotted on a wall in Bondy, France. Photo: Emeric Fohlen/Greenpeace
This bird of paradise, by artist Tsukasa Suzuki, was caught courting his female counterpart in Tokyo, Japan. Photo: Greenpeace
A beautiful bird of paradise, by Scottie Bonsai, is enjoying the colorful sunset in Geelong, Australia. Photo: Andrea Marcus/Greenpeace
This mural by artist Vogue in Long Beach, California, shows that rainforest destruction not only endangers these beautiful birds, but also affects the communities that depend on it. Photo: George Nitkin/Artist Vogue and Dragon School/Greenpeace
This artwork by artist Sean Duffell in Oakland, California is a reminder of the constant threat that the birds of paradise face at the hands of greedy palm oil companies. Photo: Helena de Kok/Greenpeace
Artist Sokar Uno giving the final touches to his bird of paradise mural in Berlin, Germany. Photo: Chris Grodotzki/Greenpeace
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