Water People Stories 1
Water and people's stories hold a special place in my heart, having been born in a former wetland that has undergone human modification for over two thousand years. As a scientific researcher, I have dedicated my life's work to studying freshwater wetlands, tropical floodplains, and their relationship with people.
Photography has been a life-long passion of mine, capturing landscapes, water, people, wildlife, plants, and forests. With a PhD in tropical biology and floodplain ecology, I have traveled extensively to many tropical countries, always making sure to visit wetlands.
My diaries contain a wealth of information, documenting my day-to-day observations, thoughts, and discoveries. Over the years, I have witnessed significant changes occurring in the world, and I have recorded some of these changes.
In 1986, as a young biologist, I made my dream come true and traveled to the Amazon for the first time, which I continued to visit for several dozen times and even lived there for many years. Although I have now returned to Europe, my birthplace, I remain closely connected with friends, colleagues, and people from all over the world dealing with water-related challenges.
This project is about exploring the cultural significance of wetlands and the stories of people and their water. During my travels worldwide, I share the stories of the people I meet, highlighting the importance of water in our daily lives.
Rather than seeking out sensational places that make headlines, I focus on documenting the normal daily routines and changes and how water crises affect local communities. By analyzing the connection between people and their water, I aim to draw attention to the cultural significance of rivers and wetlands and the links, or missing connections, to freshwater.
Ultimately, my goal is to help societies understand and transform how they see, value, and impact freshwater in rivers and wetlands.
My personal story is deeply intertwined with water and people. I was born in a former wetland area that has been significantly altered by humans over the course of 2000 years or more. Throughout my career as a scientific researcher, I have focused on freshwater wetlands, tropical floodplains, and their utilization by people. Photography has been a passion of mine, and I have captured landscapes, water, people, wildlife, and plants throughout my life. I hold a PhD in tropical biology and floodplain ecology, and my work has taken me to numerous tropical countries around the globe, always drawn to visit and learn from wetlands. As I reflect on my experiences, I revisit my diaries which document my daily observations, thoughts, conversations, and insights. Over the decades, I have witnessed and recorded the evolving state of our world. I was born in 1965, and in 1986, I realized my dream of travelling to the Amazon as a young biologist. This initial journey was followed by numerous return visits, and I eventually lived there for many years. Although I have now returned to my birthplace in Europe, my connections with friends, colleagues, and individuals grappling with water-related challenges across the world remain strong. Join me as I take you on a journey spanning nearly six decades, delving into the wetlands and the remarkable individuals I have encountered. This project seeks to explore the cultural importance of wetlands and the narratives of the people and their relationship with water.
