Swedish-American designer Jacob Thomas has made Bangladesh his home for many years, allowing the country’s diverse landscapes and natural elements to influence his daily life. While renowned for his graphic design work and Bangla typeface development for major brands, Jacob’s unexpected contribution comes in the form of a comprehensive field guide titled “Plants of Bangladesh.”
Growing up in Ishwardi, Kushtia, and other areas near Dhaka, Thomas developed a deep connection to nature early on, surrounded by lush fields, dense forests, and abundant greenery. Years later, as his son delved into birding, their explorations of forests and wetlands reignited Thomas’s passion for the natural world.
Noticing a lack of user-friendly plant guides, Thomas decided to fill the void himself. He aimed to create a resource that would help everyday individuals identify local flora and understand the importance of conservation. Through his background in visual communication, he crafted a guide that bridged scientific knowledge with practical usability.
Conducting fieldwork across Bangladesh, Thomas not only captured photographs but also witnessed firsthand the beauty and fragility of the country’s ecosystems. He recalled a poignant moment during the Rohingya crisis when a once-thriving forest had been cleared for refugee camps, highlighting the swift disappearance of natural habitats.
Despite facing challenges during his plant photography expeditions in remote villages, Thomas found that interactions with locals often provided unique insights that textbooks couldn’t offer. This emphasized the significance of local knowledge in plant identification and conservation efforts.
Reflecting on his experiences, Thomas acknowledged how living between cultures had shaped his personality, influencing his preferences for solitude or social interaction. In Bangladesh, he found solace in solitude, cherishing moments spent alone in nature.
Recognizing the abundance of taxonomical resources on Bangladeshi flora, Thomas aimed to create a practical tool focused on visual identification. By prioritizing clear photographs, simple layouts, and easy-to-understand captions, he aimed to make plant identification accessible to all, regardless of their botanical expertise.
The result of his efforts is a comprehensive visual guide featuring nearly 4,000 vascular plants, showcasing over 1,500 species through recent documentation. Thomas’s project ultimately aims to cultivate a culture of appreciation for nature, emphasizing the importance of understanding, enjoying, and conserving the plant species that surround us.
Through his work, Thomas hopes to inspire others to connect with nature, fostering a sense of stewardship and paving the way for future generations to advocate for the conservation of the environment.