Yann Arthus-Bertrand was born in 1946 and has always had a passion for the animal world and the natural environment. At age 20 he settled in central France and became director of a nature reserve. At 30 he traveled to Kenya with his wife to study lions in the Massaï Mara reserve.
Yann Arthus-Bertrand at a glance
- Born: 1946, France
- Nationality: French
- Known for: Aerial photography and films about the Earth and the environment
- Notable works: The book Earth From Above, the film Home (2009), the 7 Billion Others project
- Founded: The first aerial photography agency (1991) and the GoodPlanet Foundation
- Honor: Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme (2009)
He began using a camera as a visual aid and earned his living as a hot-air balloon pilot. He founded the first aerial photography agency in 1991 and published “The Earth From the Air” which sold over 3 million copies. He created the Goodplanet Foundation and the 7 Billion Others project with over 6000 interviews filmed in 84 countries.
“He discovered his calling: to demonstrate the Earth’s beauty and show the impact of mankind on the Planet.”
He directed the film “Home” released in 2009 which was seen by more than 600 million people. He also directed films for the UN including “Forest” and “Desertification” and co-directed “Planet Ocean” for Rio+20. He was designated Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme in 2009.