In the shallow summer waters off Oostduinkerke, Belgium, shrimp fisher Stefaan, with his horse Dina, carefully wades through the North Sea. This practice, utilizing funnel-shaped nets and large Belgian draft horses for fishing, has persisted for centuries.
A striking photograph by German artist Kristina Steiner documented this scene. Her work was part of a collection that secured first prize in a competition focused on humanity’s relationship with water. The competition was organized jointly by UNESCO and the non-profit entity Onewater.
The “Walk of Water” photo story competition saw substantial global participation. Over 8,000 images were submitted by 796 photographers hailing from 114 different countries. The submissions spanned a wide array of subjects, from sea rescue operations and the harsh realities of drought in the Amazon to the traditional methods of salt extraction employed in Vietnam.
Youth Award Highlights Indigenous Struggles and Environmental Change
The youth award recognized Gastón Zilberman for his compelling photo story. His work focused on the Qotzuñi people and the unfortunate disappearance of Bolivia’s second-largest lake, Lake Poopó. One particular image within his series depicts Florencio, Pablo, Cipriana, and Félix Mauricio seated in a boat. This vessel now rests stranded on a salty, desert-like expanse that was once the vibrant Lake Poopó.
Facing the loss of their ancestral fishing grounds due to climate change, the Qotzuñi people have turned to crafting as a means of survival. Their livelihoods, inextricably linked to the lake, have been fundamentally altered.
Sea Women of South Korea and Traditional Whaling Traditions
Jaime Gómez’s photo story earned a merit prize, delving into the lives of South Korea’s haenyeo, often referred to as “sea women.” The featured image captures one of these divers as she prepares to descend beneath the water’s surface. Her objective is to search for mussels, continuing a tradition deeply rooted in South Korean culture.
This practice demands exceptional breath control and the ability to navigate powerful ocean currents, showcasing the skill and resilience of these women.
From Indonesia, Tianxiao Wang contributed an image showcasing 16-year-old Emen. Emen practices traditional whaling techniques alone each afternoon, leaping from rocky outcrops into the sea. In a statement regarding the awards, Emen explained the significance of his pursuit. “Becoming a whale hunter,” he said, “is not about proving our skills to others. It is about carrying the weight of tradition – piercing through the modern world’s misconceptions with a harpoon.” Wang’s photo series captured second place in the youth section for the South-East Asia category of the prize.
Lake Urmia’s Decline: A Stark Reminder of Environmental Pressures
Concluding the notable entries, Solmaz Daryani’s photograph from Sharafkhaneh, Iran, presents a former port on Lake Urmia. At one time, this body of water was the largest in the Middle East. The image, taken in 2017, shows wooden mooring poles that once served to secure vessels.
Even at the time of the photograph, the lake had diminished to only ten percent of its original size. This severe shrinkage was attributed to a combination of factors, including drought, dam construction, and extensive groundwater extraction.
Daryani’s work received a merit prize in the competition’s global category, effectively highlighting the environmental challenges faced by this once-significant lake.