Des regards croisés de photographes volontaires, un périple dans 60 pays pour célébrer les 10 ans d’ICVolontaires… A voyage, diverse perspectives from 60 countries through the lens of volunteer photographers celebrating ICVolunteers’ 10th anniversary...
« Regards croisés sur l’environnement, la citoyenneté et le volontariat » Par les photographes du réseau ICVolontaires
“Diverse Perspectives on the Environment, Citizenship and Volunteering” By the photographers of the ICVolunteers network
« Regards croisés sur l’environnement, la citoyenneté et le volontariat » Par les photographes du réseau ICVolontaires
“Diverse Perspectives on the Environment, Citizenship and Volunteering” By the photographers of the ICVolunteers network
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ICVolunteers, PO Box 755 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland Tel.: +41 22 800 14 36 / Fax: +41 22 800 14 37 info@icvolunteers.org / www.icvolunteers.org
This book contains views of Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cameroun, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo (DRC), Cyprus, France, Ghana, Iceland, India, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Laos, Lebanon, Macedonia, Moldavia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Peru, Russia, Senegal, Serbia, South Africa, Swaziland, Switzerland, Thailand, The Gambia, The Philippines, Togo, Tunisia, United States, Uzbekistan
Copyright: ICVolunteers Š 2009 Editors for this book: Viola Krebs, Sarah Webborn, Randy Schmieder, Nazir Sunderji, Aleksandra Imielinska
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Message du Président / Message by the President Nous vivons une époque où chaque jour qui passe apporte la preuve de l’urgence vitale du traitement des questions liées à l’environnement. Le constat est accablant et les prédictions sans appel : Il ne nous reste que peu de temps pour prévenir les changements climatiques et les dommages et maux économiques qu’ils provoqueront. Nous avons à notre portée tout le savoir-faire économique, intellectuel et technologique nécessaire pour contrer cette catastrophe et éviter les conséquences nocives et les perturbations qui découleront de l’inaction.
We live in times where, with each passing day, we realize only more clearly the environment is no longer something we can simply ignore. The evidence is overwhelming and the predictions unambiguous: we have little time to prevent rapid climate change and associated unprecedented economic impacts. But all is not lost. We have in our hands all the economic, intellectual and technological resources necessary to minimize the disaster and avoid harmful consequences arising from inaction.
Les solutions pour contrer le changement climatique sont nombreuses et, comme l’affirment de nombreux spécialistes, moins onéreuses que le laisser-faire. Elles couvrent l’adoption de mesures d’économie d’énergie, l’exploitation de sources d’énergie propre et renouvelable, l’utilisation de moyens de transports plus efficaces ainsi qu’une gestion et une planification améliorées de nos économies. Nous le savons pertinemment : les moyens employés pour exploiter les ressources naturelles contribuent largement au problème du changement climatique.
There are numerous solutions, which are cheaper than simply standing by and wringing our hands. We can all contribute. Solutions include saving energy, using clean and renewable resources, using sustainable transport systems and installing solar panels. Indeed, exploiting natural resources is at the heart of climate change. We fully know it: the exploitation of natural resources largely contributes to the problem of climate change.
Mais toute solution durable passe avant tout par la sensibilisation et la mobilisation de citoyennes et de citoyens du monde pour que chacun puisse agir à son
Any sustainable solution requires that individual citizens are made aware that they can impact the situation at their own level, with their own means. 3
niveau, avec ses moyens. Dans une telle perspective, le volontariat demeure plus que jamais l’espace à réinvestir en vue de contribuer à étancher la soif de notre monde d’un nouvel humanisme, d’une véritable ‘humanitude’. En effet, l’une des caractéristiques essentielles du volontariat est justement cette dédicace aux causes et cet esprit de mission au service du plus grand nombre : les volontaires sont les défricheurs du futur.
Viewed this way, volunteerism remains more than ever one of the best ways to quench the thirst of a world desperate for solutions – with a new humanism, a real ‘humanitude’. Indeed, one of the essential characteristics of volunteerism is in fact the dedication to human kind and the spirit of mission serving the greatest number: volunteers are paving the road of the future.
ICVolontaires considère le développement durable et sa dimension écologique comme un levier puissant de développement et de bien être pour tous. Le changement climatique est une menace palpable. C’est le moment d’agir.
ICVolunteers is committed to the fundamentals of sustainable development and well-being for all. Climate change is a real threat. It is time to act.
Dans le cadre des festivités de son dixième anniversaire, ICVolontaires a décidé de lancer un appel à la création sur le thème : ‘Regards croisés sur l’environnement, la citoyenneté et le volontariat’. Le livre que vous avez entre les mains vous en donne un aperçu qui, je l’espère, contribuera à renforcer votre engagement pour la sauvegarde de notre planète.
As part of the celebrations of its tenth anniversary, ICVolunteers launched a call for creative photography on the theme: ‘Diverse Perspectives on the Environment, Citizenship and Volunteering’. The book you hold in your hands shows the diversity and depth of commitment to this issue in all aspects of life and reinforces your commitment to saving our planet.
Adama Samassékou Président de la Fédération ICVolontaires
Adama Samassekou President of the ICVolunteers Federation
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Message de la Fondatrice / Message by the Founder Le volontariat et l’engagement citoyen sont un catalyseur pour le changement et un connecteur pour ceux qui s’engagent.
Volunteerism is a catalyst for change, a connector for those who are engaging in it.
Tout a commencé en 1997, avec un appel aux volontaires pour le Congrès mondial du VIH/SIDA à Genève. ICVolontaires a ensuite été fondée en 1999 et a pour mission de développer un lien entre connaissances et besoins dans le domaine de la communication (soutien aux conférences, langues et nouvelles technologies).
It all started in 1997 with a call for volunteers for the World AIDS Conference in Geneva. ICVolunteers was founded in 1999 and aims to link knowledge with needs in the field of communications (conference support, languages and new technologies).
Le réseau qui s’est constitué autour des projets d’ICVolontaires comprend aujourd’hui plus de 10.000 personnes du monde entier.
Since 1999, ICVolunteers’ network has grown to over 10,000 people worldwide.
Photographes du Réseau mondial d’ICV
Photographers from the worldwide ICV network
Le présent ouvrage témoigne de la portée et diversité du réseau. Il est le fruit d’un appel à la création photographique sur le thème : Regards croisés sur l’environnement, la citoyenneté et le volontariat, appel lancé dans le cadre des célébrations du dixième anniversaire d’ICV et de l’exposition de photos « Regards croisés sur l’éducation environnementale ».
The present publication is a testimony to the network’s outreach and diversity. It is the result of a call for creative photography on the theme: Diverse Perspectives on the Environment, Citizenship and Volunteering, launched in the context of ICV’s 10th anniversary and the photo exhibition “Diverse perspectives on environmental education”. 5
ICVolontaires considère le développement durable et sa dimension écologique comme un levier puissant de développement et de bien être pour tous. Les changements climatiques sont une menace palpable. C’est le moment d’agir.
ICVolunteers believes that giving consideration to ecological issues is essential for achieving sustainable development; that climate change is a real threat and that now is the time to act.
Nous voulons souligner à travers nos projets, combien la société civile peut contribuer à la citoyenneté par le biais d’actions volontaristes de connaissance et de protection de l’environnement.
We want to emphasize, through our projects, how much civil society can contribute to active citizenship through volunteerism and an exchange of knowledge on environmental issues.
Nous démontrerons ainsi que l’inaction n’est plus de mise. Nous souhaitons particulièrement sensibiliser les plus jeunes aux questions de l’environnement. A l’occasion de débats et de rencontres culturelles, nous ferons le point sur les enjeux pour demain, mais dans l’immédiat, il nous faut connaître et diffuser les bonnes pratiques pour que des petits gestes écologiques de tous les jours influent sur les grandes causes.
We wish to demonstrate that inaction is no longer a valid option. We would like to see more awareness among young people about environmental concerns. During conferences and cultural events, we debate what needs to be done in the future, but it is right now that we need to understand and disseminate best practice ─ small, everyday actions that collectively can have a large impact.
A l’occasion de nos 10 ans, un appel à la création, à travers notre réseau mondial de volontaires, a réuni 73 photographes de 46 nationalités et pays différents. C’est à un voyage exceptionnel auquel nous vous convions. *
73 photographers from 46 countries responded to our call: from Australia to Iraq, Chad to Serbia, Mexico to the United States of America. *
* Australia, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cameroun, Canada, Chad, China, Chinese Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Colombia, Comoros, Congo (DRC), France, Gambia, Ghana, Hebron, Palestine, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Macedonia, Mexico, Moldavia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, The Netherlands, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan. 6
Ils ont envoyé plus de 300 photographies prises dans 60 pays dont les pays / régions indépendantes suivantes : des Philippines et du Laos, au Comores, au Kosovo en passant par le Bénin, le Liban, la Somalie pour arriver en Colombie. **
They sent more than 300 photographs showing views of 60 countries and regions, from the Philippines to Laos, the Comoros to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Benin to Lebanon, and from Somalia to the United Kingdom. **
Nous remercions très chaleureusement les photographes du réseau ICVolontaires pour leur participation et contribution. Cet ouvrage leur est dédié.
We would like to warmly thank all of them for their participation and contribution. This book is dedicated to them.
Artistes photographes
Arts photographers
Nous remercions également très chaleureusement les artistes photographes qui ont été d’accord de mettre à disposition leurs ouvrages à ICVolontaires, dans le but de mobiliser des ressources financières pour le projet « Réseau VERT ». Parmi ses photographes sont notamment : Vlado Alonso, Hussain Aga Khan, Jacques Berthet, Nicolas Crispini, Olivier Delhoume, Nicolas Faure, Jean-Pierre Grandjean, Michel Huelin, Alan Humerose, Peter Hutchinson, Cyril Kobler, Patrice Moullet, Ursula Mumenthaler, Gerard Pétremand, Eric Poitevin, Jacques Pugin, Roman Signer, Jean Revillard, et Patrick Weidmann.
We would also like to acknowledge and thank the arts photographers who agreed to make available their photographs to ICV in order to mobilize financial resources for the "Green Voice" project. Among its photographers are Vlado Alonso, Hussain Aga Khan, Jacques Berthet, Nicolas Crispini, Olivier Delhoume, Nicolas Faure, Jean-Pierre Grandjean, Michel Huelin, Alan Humerose,Peter Hutchinson, Cyril Kobler, Patrice Moullet, Ursula Mumenthaler, Gerard Pétremand, Eric Poitevin, Jacques Pugin, Roman Signer, Jean Revillard and Patrick Weidmann.
** Australia, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Benin, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Cameroun, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo (DRC), Cyprus, Ecuador, France, Gambia, Ghana, Iceland, India, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Laos, Lebanon, Macedonia, Moldavia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Senegal, Serbia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Swaziland, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Chinese Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Uzbekistan. 7
Nous remercions également M. Cyril Kobler de La Galerie, 17 rue de la Coulouvrenière, Genève, d’avoir accepté de mettre à disposition sa galerie dans le e cadre de notre 10 anniversaire. Nous tenons également à remercier très chaleureusement nos mécènes, nos partenaires financiers et nos galeries partenaires pour leur soutien et collaboration.
We also thank Mr. Cyril Kobler of La Galerie, 17 rue de la Coulouvrenière, Geneva, who has agreed to exhibit us as part of our 10th anniversary. We also would like to warmly thank our sponsors, financial partners and partner galleries for their support and collaboration.
Des remerciements particuliers vont également à l’Equipe d’ICV qui a contribué à ce livre, ainsi qu’à nos partenaires techniques et financiers pour leur soutien continu, dont en particulier la Direction de Développement et de Coopération Suisse (DDC), la République et Canton de Genève, la Ville de Genève, l’Institut de la Francophonie Numérique (IFN), le Réseau Universitaire Académique de Genève (RUIG), la Loterie Romande, MCI Group, MCART Group (MCART), Ajuntament de Barcelona, Generalitat de Catalunya, Linguamón, le Ministère des Affaires Etrangères de France -- Service de Coopération et d'Action Culturelle (SCAC), Gouvernements du Canada et du Mali, Spider, la Région Rhône Alpes, la Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de l’Ain, la Mairie de Ferney Voltaire, UNESCO-Suisse, ainsi que tous nos membres bénéficiaires de services.
Special thanks also go to the ICV Team that contributed to the present book, as well as all our technical and financial partners for their continuous support. Among them are in particular Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Republic and Canton of Geneva, City of Geneva, Institut de la Francophonie Numérique (IFN), Geneva International Academic Network (GIAN), Loterie Romande, MCI Group, MCART Group (MCART), Ajuntament de Barcelona, Generalitat de Catalunya, Linguamón, Ministère des Affaires Etrangères de France -- Service de Coopération et d'Action Culturelle (SCAC), Governments of Canada and of Mali, Spider, Région Rhône Alpes, Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de l’Ain, la Mairie de Ferney Voltaire, UNESCO-Switzerland, and all our Benefitting Members.
Viola Krebs, Fondatrice et Directrice Exécutive d’ICVolontaires
Viola Krebs Founder and Executive Director of ICVolunteers
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Table des matières / Table of contents Pandora Apostoloska Sazdovska (Macedonia) Simon Tongue (Laos) Mirabela Osadci (Russia, Moldova, Romania) Kodjo Isaiah Jahsede (The Gambia) Louise Liu Yi (China) Mary Moseley (Senegal) Khaled Al-Masri (Jordan) Silvio Combey Combetey (Togo) Kabbouri Achraf (Morocco) Marina Bugarcic (Serbia) Parker Mah (Bangladesh) Fred Taylor (Australia) AndrÊs Felipe Valenzuela Parra (Colombia) Ameer Shaheed (Nepal/Pakistan/France) Alexis Girardin (South Africa) Natthanon Chaengsuk (Thailand) Joan Rojas (Colombia) Juda Lomian (Cameroun) Novic Arman Zhenikeyev (Kazakhstan)
12 18 22 28 30 32 36 40 42 46 50 52 54 58 62 64 66 70 72
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Ivan Aleksic (Serbia, Kosovo) Viola Krebs (Congo/Mozambique/Swaziland) Houssam Hassani (Comoros) Michel Rissoan (France) Sophie Gonin (United States) Talabi Oluwatosin Adeniyi (Nigeria) Silvia di Gaetano (Peru) Bassam El Madhoun (Palestine) Ciril Schulz (Switzerland) Sophie Dupont (Iceland) Amasaba Abdul-Yakeen Aluizah (Ghana) Kim Oorebeek (Palau) Zouhaïr Ben Amour (Tunisia) Marion Le Fleur (South Africa) Seran Özel (Cyprus) Nicolas Durand (Switzerland) Rhea B. Peñaflor (Philippines) Hady Bishara (Lebanon) Sardor Shaahmedov (Uzbekistan) Frances Raquel Narváez (India) Photographers’ Countries of Origin -- Countries/Regions where photos were taken About the photographers
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76 82 86 90 96 98 100 102 106 108 112 114 116 118 120 122 124 126 130 132 135 135
Regards croisés, un voyage de la Chine au Pérou en passant par l’Inde, le Kazakhstan, le Nigeria…
Diverse perspectives, a voyage from China to Peru through India, Kazakhstan and Nigeria…
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These photographs highlight the connection between the basic human need for food and water and the necessity to protect the environment which meets these needs. It is the responsibility of all citizens of the world to live in harmony with nature, in order to preserve the environment for future generations. Volunteers can help educate people to raise awareness of their environmental responsibilities.
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— Pandora Apostoloska Sazdovska, Macedonia (Macedonia)
Pandora Apostoloska Sazdovska was born in 1975 in Macedonia. She is a recognized professional photographer, who has exhibited in both individual and group exhibits.
Right and overleaf left and right: Water, an increasingly scarce and precious resource.
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Right and far right: These photographs, taken in Macedonia, address the growing issue of water scarcity and its impact on food insecurity worldwide.
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Although poor themselves, the Lao people in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city, are happy to support a relatively large community of monks, who dedicate their lives to spiritual advancement, education and good works. The constant presence of the monks not only has a soothing effect, but the importance of the monks in Lao society and the esteem in which they are held by their community provides an inspiring and invaluable lesson for those of us caught up in a materialistic world.
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“To volunteer is to offer one’s heart and life, and to give one’s time and energy. Therefore, volunteers are bodhisattvas who practice what they are preaching.” Taken from: Buddhism and Volunteerism Written by: Venerable Master Hsing Yun Translated by: Dr. Otto Chang
— Simon Tongue, UK (Laos) Simon Tongue is a British national who has called the Geneva area home for almost ten years and has been active as a photographer for a number of years.
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Right: Monks on their way to sweep the temple, Luang Prabang, Laos.
Overleaf left and right: The early morning alms collection from locals and tourists, Luang Prabang, Laos.
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Protecting the environment is not yet a personal responsibility for each and every citizen in Moldova, the poorest country in Europe. Life here has been an everyday struggle, leaving little time for volunteering. Recently, the younger generation – who want change, are motivated to seek it and believe they can bring it – are beginning to volunteer.
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— Mirabela Osadci, Moldova (Russia, Moldova, Romania)
Mirabela Osadci was born in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova in 1983. She is a Psychology Graduate, Educator, NGO Activist and an amateur photographer.
Right: City Air. Jan 1st, 2009. St. Petersburg, Russia.
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Left: Amnesty International, Moldova, collects signatures for a petition to stop violence against women, Aug 31st, 2009. Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.
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Right: Violence against women is often ignored and rarely punished. Women and girls suffer disproportionately from violence – both in peace and in war – at the hands of the state, the community and the family. 25
Left: Candlelight vigil against domestic violence. Dec 8th, 2007. Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.
Right: Eco art. Mar 24th, 2008. Bucharest, Romania.
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The environment is the life we live. A bad environment leads to a bad life. Volunteers can assist in providing education and clean, safe water in order to improve health.
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— Kodjo Isaiah Jahsede, Nigeria (The Gambia)
Kodjo Isaiah Jahsede was born on July 26th, 1982 in Nigeria. He is currently living in Gambia and works as a professional photographer.
Right: Village residents, The Gambia.
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Volunteering is not just about volunteer programs, but is spontaneous and intrinsic.
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— Louise Liu Yi, China (China)
Liu Yi is a Chinese researcher and Independent Documentary Filmmaker, as well as a long-time volunteer with NGOs.
Right: A food stall on a mountain in Yunnan province, China – a Tibetan Buddhists' pilgrimage route. The noodle boxes left by diners bring color to pilgrims and trekkers passing by, yet remind them of the environmental consequences of their passage.
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While not a traditional environmental justice tool, microfinance is one way in which communities can make progress on environmental issues. For example, with the capital from a micro-loan, borrowers are able to purchase water pumps, rainwater collection devices, solar ovens, or start their own business selling these products. Microfinance institutions are increasingly becoming ‘Green Lenders’, educating their loan officers to distinguish between a sustainable business and one that may have detrimental effects on the environment such as using dynamite to fish.
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-- Mary Moseley, United States (Senegal)
Mary Moseley is an international development consultant focused on the microfinance industry.
Right: Financial, climate and care crises are interconnected. Funding for schooling of disadvantaged youth should not be diverted to climate change. Far right: A client with her family at a village bank meeting organized through a micro-lender, Senegal. 32
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Right and far right: Microfinance in Senegal. 34
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It is obvious that one of the major challenges facing the environment is economic development. It is generally understood that successful development is environmentally harmful, but this need not be true. Conservation and economic development could go hand-in-hand; there is potential for Jordan’s natural environment to provide an alternative economy for members of poor rural communities which currently have few opportunities to improve their livelihoods. The environment is the womb in which we are all kept safe and healthy. As the environment comes under attack, people are awakening to the reality that we are all its keepers, bearing in mind that no one can change the world, but they can make a difference.
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— Khaled Al-Masri, Jordan (Jordan)
Khaled Al-Masri is from Jordan, where he is working with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature RSCN as Advocacy Specialist.
Right and overleaf left and right: Photos taken in different areas of Jordan, mainly in nature reserves.
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Des dames se déploient à faire du jardinage, une activité qui pourtant, était réservée aux hommes. Malgré les contraintes rencontrées dans le secteur, ces femmes y sont accrochées pour gagner leur pain quotidien. La scène se passe à Gbétsogbé, une banlieue située dans la zone portuaire à Lomé dans la capitale togolaise.
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— Silvio Combey Combetey, Togo (Togo)
Le journalisme est une véritable passion pour Silvio Combey Combetey, originaire du Togo.
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La pollution est une réalité très présente dans notre environnement : déchets industriels, plastics, pétrole, mégots, réchauffement de la planète… Pourquoi l'Homme ne vit-il pas en harmonie avec son environnement ? Pourquoi est-il cruel envers sa mère nature ? Pourquoi ne pense-t-il pas au futur des générations à venir ? Mais surtout « que puis-je faire pour préserver ce qui reste ? » Pour un photographe, l'image est le meilleur vecteur de sensibilisation : une photo parle beaucoup plus que milles mots. C'est un peu notre manière de se révolter, choquer mais surtout dénoncer. Les photos sont juste un prétexte, le geste c'est à vous de le faire et à vous de l'enseigner…
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— Kabbouri Achraf (Morocco)
Kabbouri Achraf est né à Kénitra, Maroc, en 1974. Il est graphiste, freelance designer et artiste photographe. Il préside également l'association Jazz 3/4 (enseignement de jazz aux enfants de 10 à 16 ans). 42
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These photographs, mostly taken at abandoned places, witness environmental destruction in Serbia and how people are destroying everything they touch. Volunteers conduct a range of activities including environmental monitoring, ecological restoration such as re-vegetation and weed removal, and educating others about the natural environment.
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— Marina Bugarcic, Serbia (Serbia)
Marina Bugarcic has received several prizes for design, literature, sport and photography. She is also a photographer of night life in Belgrade and is planning to occupy herself with documentary photography.
Right: ‘Grass after the rain’, Serbia.
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Creativity can replace Belgrade’s gray colors. Creativity cannot be hidden.
This photograph symbolizes the simple life of a student in Serbia who is rejected from society because he is different.
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Portrait of a friend damaging the environment.
Abandoned building, Cacak, Serbia.
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The environment is not just what surrounds us – it also exists inside of us, right down to the air we breathe. For that reason, any action on the environment must start with individual conviction. The path to change begins with self-awareness; from one will spring the whole.
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— Parker Mah, Canada (Bangladesh)
Originally from Vancouver, Parker Mah now lives and works in Senegal. He has a background in ICT training and international development with a passion for volunteerism and languages.
Right: A Reflect Circle in action: a group of women in rural Bangladesh empowering themselves through selfeducation programs that touch, among other things, environmental and local farming issues.
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While most people know about and support the idea of carbon reduction, the intangibility of global warming and their personal carbon footprint makes it hard for people to embrace sustainable change. However, there is hope for our future as support for action on the environment builds. While the actions of one person may seem small, the actions of many will lead to positive change.
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— Fred Taylor, Australia (Australia)
Fred Taylor works in marketing communications and is a weekend amateur photographer based in Sydney, Australia.
Right: This photograph was taken at an outdoor rock concert in Sydney, Australia. People were enjoying the music and the sunny weather, not noticing the rubbish they were standing on, carelessly dropped by others. The photograph witnesses how unaware most people are of the environmental impact their actions have on our world. 52
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Volunteering is the demonstration of human solidarity, compassion and the desire to serve a vulnerable community, without expecting payment or recognition. To take the initiative to serve, whether people, animals or the environment, is an example of human nobility.
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— Andrés Felipe Valenzuela Parra, Colombia (Colombia)
Andrés Felipe Valenzuela (24) was born in Bucaramanga, Colombia. He is a professional journalist and photojournalist. Currently, he is working with the public sector and also does freelance work.
Right and overleaf left and right: Homeless children, displaced by violence, poverty or flooding, find love and hope in their adopted pets for whom they provide food, shelter and even medical services. Girón, Colombia.
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We are all witness to the interplay between humans and their environment, each affecting and adapting to the other. Most people are confined to their particular microcosm; few can actually move between worlds and fewer still may want to. Volunteers working in development-related fields are amongst those willing to see different worlds-within-worlds, to give without receiving, and to understand how much more there is out there.
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— Ameer Shaheed, Pakistan (Nepal, Pakistan, France)
Ameer Shaheed holds both Swiss and Pakistani nationality. He currently works with the World Health Organization (WHO) in water, sanitation, and hygiene. Most of his pictures have been taken while traveling for work or study.
Right: ‘Under the Bridge’, Kathmandu, Nepal. A family of waste pickers at work on a veritable mountain of waste in front of the Manohara slum. On the bridge above are people walking by, most of them better off than the slum dwellers and waste pickers below. Will those under the bridge ever catch up with those above?
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Left: The Wagah Border between Pakistan and India. Every day thousands of people come to watch the symbolic ‘changing of the guards’, an almost theatrical display between the Pakistani and Indian border guards. This old man used to come to the border every day out of love for his country, rousing up the crowd. He became such a symbol that eventually the government began giving him a stipend to come. He still has more enthusiasm than the entire crowd put together.
Right: ‘Hanging on’, Paris. An old beggar woman bent at 90 degrees from malnourishment and disease. Her physical posture and placement reflect her position in society...and contrast with her surroundings, which boast some of the most expensive and classic real estate in Paris. In one of her hands is a stick to keep her on her two (bent) feet, and in the other hand is grasped a used coffee cup for change, as her crucifix dangles from her neck...a symbol of hope? Salvation? Charity? 60
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Lorsque l'on concilie volontariat et citoyenneté, on établie les bases pour l'accès à l'éducation. En dehors des branches habituellement enseignées, les instituteurs des Townships se livrent à un vrai travail de prévention. Ils abordent des thèmes tel que la violence verbale et physique à laquelle les jeunes de ces quartiers sont fréquemment confrontés. La prévention contre les maladies sexuellement transmissibles fait aussi partie du programme d'éducation.
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— Alexis Girardin, Switzerland (South Africa)
Alexis Girardin est Suisse. Il a commencé la photographie à l'âge de 12 ans, en participant à des cours dispensés par son école secondaire. Depuis, il n'a jamais cessé de consacrer du temps à ce qui est devenu une réelle passion pour lui.
Right: Sur cette photo prise dans les Townships d'Afrique du Sud, le garçon est paré de son uniforme scolaire. 62
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These photographs are representative of hundreds taken by Thai teenagers and children of Saphan Phut Community (Bangkok, Thailand), as well as volunteers, while undertaking training within the framework of the At First Sight Project. The pictures chosen for publication here show the role of individuals and the community in environmental protection. The At First Sight Project aims to promote volunteerism and network-building between different actors already active in and committed to development.
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— United Nations Volunteers, Natthanon Chaengsuk, Thailand (Thailand)
Natthanon Chaengsuk was born in Nonthaburi, Thailand and now lives in the Saphan Phut Community of Bangkok. These pictures were taken on behalf of the At First Sight team, a project coordinated by UNESCO Bangkok, the International ATD Fourth World Movement and the Friends of ATD Foundation and UN Volunteers (UNV) program.
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Left: Photograph from the At First Sight Project, Bangkok, Thailand. Through thematic photography sessions the volunteers have the opportunity to raise the awareness of community members about development issues, such as environmental protection and health education.
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One day a year, volunteers from all over Colombia (school kids, divers, journalists, activists, etc.) work together cleaning beaches and water fronts. Tons and tons of harmful material are removed, helping to raise awareness about water quality and preserving native species and ecosystems.
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— Joan Rojas, Colombia (Colombia)
Joan Rojas is a photojournalist from Colombia.
Right: The survival of native species relies on their environment being preserved. Overleaf left and right: The beaches of Santa Marta, on the Atlantic coast of Colombia, are among the most beautiful in the world, yet waste threatens them. Volunteers help clean up.
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Il faut promouvoir le droit à la vie saine. Il faut lutter contre la pollution et la pauvreté qui pousse enfants et adultes à fouiller les poubelles infectées.
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— Juda Lomian, Tchad (Cameroun)
Juda Lomian est réfugié originaire du Tchad et vit actuellement à Douala, Cameroun, sous mandant du Haut Commissariat des Nations Unies pour les Réfugiés (UNHCR). Juda travaille actuellement dans une Association de Défense des Droits de l’Homme et des Migrations, dénommée “Association des Réfugiés Sans Frontières” (ARSF).
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The purpose of these images is to show the connection between humanity and nature: how people impact the environment and how nature can inspire people. The environment is not just the world where we live, but also the individual style of a talented author.
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— Novic Arman Zhenikeyev, Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan)
Arman Zhenikeyev (30) is a professional photographer from the Republic of Kazakhstan (Middle Asia).
Right: A single camel searching for water in an arid region of Kazakhstan. It stands near the old abandoned water reservoir. Overleaf left: An ancient tomb in Kazakhstan recorded during an environmental survey. Overleaf right: ‘Water’, Kazakhstan.
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The environment represents everything that surrounds us, and everything that directly or indirectly relates to human life and production activities. Man has changed and distorted the natural environment. Construction of a hydropower plant involves cutting down forests, exploitation of mineral raw materials, creation of landfills, emissions and nuclear testing. Human activity has disturbed ecosystems and created climate change at the local and global level.
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— Ivan Aleksic, Serbia (Serbia, Kosovo)
Ivan Aleksic was born in Paracin, Serbia. He currently studies Marketing at the University of Nis, where he has lived since 2001. He has been actively engaged in photography since 2002.
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Left: ‘Toxic’ – Angling in waste water, Nis, Serbia.
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Above: ‘Refreshing’ – Young Romanies take a bath under the bridge in the Nishiva river, Nis,Serbia.
Right: ‘Outlook’ – Beautiful view from the columbary, Nis, Serbia.
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Far left: ‘Trash-hood’ – Romany boy searching for food, Kosovo.
Left: ’Survivor‘– After the blaze, Nis, Serbia.
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The power of nature is much greater than we may suspect. Even when we think we are in control, we can be swept away in a second. As citizens of this planet we must respect our environment as the hand that feeds us. Volunteerism is a catalyst for change, a connector for those who are engaging in it.
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— Viola Krebs, Switzerland (Congo / Mozambique / Swaziland)
Viola Krebs, a Swiss national, has a background in Socio-Linguistics and Communication. She founded ICVolunteers ten years ago.
Right: Immensely wide for a tiny person, who could be swept away in a moment by its polluted waters, the Congo River is a symbol of fragile peace, separating the Republic of Congo from the DRC. Overleaf left: National parks provide protection in which wildlife can flourish, Swaziland. Overleaf right: A small plant growing in Mozambique needs just a small amount of water, a resource which is increasingly scarce in many parts of Africa.
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Il est important de sensibiliser les êtres aux dangers que court l’humanité en détruisant l’environnement. Sans cela, l’homme risque son existence même. L’environnement est le point de départ d‘un humanisme, d’une meilleure vie, du bonheur. Ainsi, le fait de jeter les ordures dans la mer pollue aussi bien la mer que les espèces qu’y vivent. La citoyenneté doit impérativement se manifester, l’environnement doit être un combat de tous les jours pour la pérennité des êtres vivants. Nous sommes tous concernés et nous devrions agir et réagir. Ainsi, le volontariat est mis en relief : sa réaction face à cela doit faire l’objet d’une révolution positive à perpétuité.
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-- Houssam Hassani, Comores (Comores) Houssam Hassani est né en1984 à Koimbani Oichili, aux Comores. Diplômé en lettres modernes françaises de l’Université des Comores, il est photographe indépendant. Right and overleaf: La mer fait partie du potentiel environnemental. Cette photo montre l’action de l’homme, élément levier de la destruction de l’environnement. L’homme qui devrait préserver l’environnement contribue incessamment à le détruire. La photo met en avant le rôle du citoyen qui est appelé à réagir pour contribuer à son développement durable. Overleaf right: Les feux de brousse qui ravagent les terres chaque année aux Comores, sont des actes volontaires démesurés et destructeurs. Il y a un enjeu qui se dévoile ici : la disparition de l’homme, les animaux terrestres, les volants. Le citoyen est désormais devenu l’appât capital de cette destruction de l’environnement.
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Ces trois notions, Environnement, Citoyenneté et Volontariat, sont étroitement liées. Nous sommes tous des citoyens, donc nous avons tous les mêmes devoirs envers notre environnement. C’est de la volonté de chacun que naîtra, peut-être, une conscience collective pour mettre à mal cette société de profit et de chacun pour soi et enfin vivre en parfaite harmonie avec tout ce qui nous entoure sur cette belle et vieille Terre. Ceci n’est malheureusement qu’un rêve, mais il faut encore croire aux miracles !
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— Michel Rissoan, France (France)
Photographe depuis bientôt 25 ans, Michel Rissoan a touché à tous les domaines photographiques : Portrait, Publicitaire, Industriel, Paysage, Touristique et Social… Il est spécialisé dans la prise de photos de l’Ardèche, sa terre natale.
Right: En Ardèche, France, le lavoir est communal, il a été construit par toute la population du village pour que chaque personne puisse prendre de l’eau et laver son linge dans des conditions décentes. Construire ce lavoir était la volonté de tous, en respectant la nature et l’environnement.
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Right: Un symbole de l’Environnement naturel qu’il faut respecter et protéger à tout prix.
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Les notions de Volontariat, de Citoyenneté et d’Environnement sont présentes en Ardèche depuis fort longtemps.
Overleaf left: La photo du Rocher de Soutron représente la nature encore préservée, magnifique et grandiose. Intacte depuis des millénaires, ce rocher est un symbole de l’Environnement naturel qu’il faut respecter et protéger à tout prix.
Overleaf right: La photo des terrasses, montre toute la volonté, la patience et la détermination qu’il a fallu, pour travailler cette terre si pentue, pour enfin avoir des bouts de terrains plats et cultiver ce sol plus facilement. L’entraide était aussi de mise pour abattre ce travail de titan. 93
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Environmental responsibility can take various forms, from planting trees and riding a bicycle, to recycling and beach clean ups. California is a beautiful place with fantastic beaches and a plethora of marine life. People who live in the coastal communities are passionate about keeping the beaches and oceans clean. It is very common for large, small or two-person teams to head to the beach and conduct spontaneous beach clean ups. The goal is to pick up anything that does not belong on the beach – cigarette butts, bottles, forgotten toys clothing, plastics and metals, etc. This is such an important effort for Californians that the third Saturday of September has been entitled ‘California Coastal Cleanup Day’. On this day, over 500,000 volunteers on over 700 beaches show up for what the Guinness Book of World Records once called ’the largest garbage collection’. (Source: nps.gov)
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— Sophie Gonin, Switzerland (United States)
Sophie Gonin is a Photographer & Founder of Sogo Photography – Photographs for a Cause.
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Right: Beach cleaning on Redondo Beach, Southern California, United States of America.
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The environment is supposed to be a primary concern of the government, because the well-being of its citizens is dependant upon it. Volunteerism and active citizenship is therefore vital to the survival of citizens and the environment at large.
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— Talabi Oluwatosin Adeniyi, Nigeria (Nigeria)
Talabi Oluwatosin Adeniyi is Nigerian, living in Lagos. He learnt how to take photographs while at university and captures events that affect the environment and people.
Right: This photograph documents government neglect of the environment by failing to provide proper drainage, causing local flooding, health risks and environmental damage, Nigeria.
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Environmental citizenship encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to think about the environmental rights and responsibilities we all have as residents of planet Earth.
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— Silvia di Gaetano, Italy (Peru)
Silvia di Gaetano (38) is a translator and interpreter from Italy. She speaks nine languages and has traveled widely. She has also been a volunteer, working in particular with children.
Right: ‘Regeneration’, Machu Pichu, Peru. The intense green of this flower shows the beauty of nature and the importance of active involvement in defending the environment.
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Pollution is creeping and killing the spirit of our life, moving towards everything, starting from the earth, passing through humans and animals, and ending in the skies. The lack of sewage networks in Gaza have played a key role in destroying Gaza’s environment.
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— Bassam El Madhoun, Saudi Arabia (Gaza Strip, Palestine)
Bassam S. El-Madhoun was born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Since 2006, he has worked as a Qatar TV Correspondent in the Gaza Strip, Palestine.
Right: ‘Similar Victims’ ─ Beach camp for Palestinian refugees, Gaza Strip, Palestine. Overleaf left: ‘Between hope and despair’ ─ Waste water, flowing in the corridors adjacent to the doors of poor houses, is a breeding ground for disease. Al Nasser street, Gaza Strip, Palestine. Overleaf right: Wastewater and car exhaust fumes add to high population density and inadequate housing to pose a hazard to health. Al Nasser street, Gaza Strip, Palestine. 102
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Cette photo résume parfaitement la situation de notre humanité. C'est une nouvelle pousse qui doit se faire un chemin dans un univers stérile et froid de la technologie à outrance. Elle montre un espoir puisque les arbres arrivent à percer les sols les plus durs.
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— Ciril Schulz, Switzerland (Switzerland)
Ciril Schulz est actuellement en études d'agronomie à l'Ecole d'Ingénieur de Lullier. Il s’occupe d'abeilles depuis plus de sept ans maintenant, et espère en faire une partie de sa vie professionnelle.
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Agissons ensemble, pendant que nous le pouvons. La focale sur l'Islande est une bonne façon d’illustrer le thème ‘Regards Croisés sur l’Environnement, la Citoyenneté et le Volontariat’. Avec son environment unique et très vulnérable aux changements climatiques, l'Islande fait actuellement plus parler d'elle pour la crise économique qu'elle traverse que pour son environnement. Et pourtant, elle est menacée par de nombreuses initiatives industrielles mettant en péril son écosystème. Et la crise pourrait bien inciter le gouvernement à fermer les yeux pour accueillir plus d'investisseurs… Agissons ensemble, pendant que nous le pouvons.
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— Sophie Dupont, Switzerland (Iceland)
Sophie Dupont (24) est étudiante en science politique, apprentie journaliste et surtout grande voyageuse. Elle est également investie dans quelques associations.
Right: ‘Quand tout est si fragile...(glace et sable noir)’, Islande.
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Left: ‘Fleur et rocher’, Islande. Ensemble, on est plus fort.
Right: Sommes-nous blancs comme neige? Glacier, Islande.
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In Ghana, the government has no policy to recycle waste. Several private waste collectors are making money from city-dwellers, but make more pollution by burning the waste.
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— Amasaba Abdul-Yakeen Aluizah, Ghana (Ghana)
Amasaba Abdul-Yakeen Aluizah (39), from Ghana is a teacher and photojournalist. He has a great passion for conservation, the environment and human rights.
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While Palau is still relatively unaffected by severe environmental degradation, educational programs for citizens and tourists raise awarness about the impact they have on the islands and ecosystems. In addition to providing a breathtaking picture of life under the sea, the educational center also serves a vital function in educating people about responsible stewardship of the environment we all share. We all want the best for our children and that means treating the environment with respect. It's important to learn about different cultures. We are all so different and yet the same. We can learn so much from each other!
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— Kim Oorebeek, The Netherlands (Palau)
Kim Oorebeek is recent graduate from the Netherlands interested in different cultures and urban geography.
Right: An educational center in Palau (Pacific Ocean), which teaches locals and tourists alike about the consequences of the changes in the environment and polution on the local habitat. In this tank they display some of the local species: behind it you see the 'real' thing. 114
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Le golfe de Tunis (et la méditerranée en général) souffre de la pollution d’origine humaine. En effet les stations d’épuration déversent des quantités énormes d’eau encore non complètement assainies. La mer d’Ez-Zahra, jouissant du label pavillon bleu dans les années soixante est aujourd’hui impropre à la baignade. La terre est un héritage que nous devons retransmettre aux générations futures dans de bonnes conditions.
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— Zouhaïr Ben Amour (Tunisia)
Zouhaïr Ben Amor est né en 1955 en Tunisie. Titulaire d'un doctorat en Biologie Marine, il enseigne à la Faculté des Sciences de Tunis et travaille comme photographe professionnel depuis 1970.
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The theme of last year’s Volunteer’s Week was ‘Youth in Volunteerism’. Youngsters from the community participated in a clean up campaign in their very own communities. Fifty youg people came in and others came to help out of curiosity as they watched their peers at work with shovel in hand.
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— Marion Le Fleur, Cape Town Volunteer Centre, South Africa (South Africa)
The Cape Town Volunteer Centre hosts ICV’s South African desk. It works with several hundred local organizations.
Right: Cleanup campaign organized by the Cape Town Volunteer Centre, South Africa, for 2008 Volunteer’s Week.
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I love the world and how we are all related. I tend to analyze deeply and when something doesn't make sense, I listen to and observe people, animal behaviour, nature and my natural instinct.
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— Seran Özel, Saudi Arabia (Cyprus)
Seran Özel was born in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. He lives in Cyprus where he studies International Relations and Political Science.
Right: Diversity of shells on a beach in Cyprus.
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Protecting the environment is not an option but a necessity. It must be taken on at a personal level, as well as at national and international levels.
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— Nicolas Durand, Switzerland (United States)
Nicolas Durand (36) began photography at University in 1995. He now works in the field of communications and IT and travels whenever possible, taking photographs along the way.
Right: Community action led by Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business, Washington DC, USA. In less than one day 65 bags of trash and invasive exotic species (which were overgrowing fragile, local ones) were removed.
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Sea turtles are at risk of extinction in the Philippines due to hunting. Individual actions make a difference. A resort owner who undertook reforestation of the mangroves, the sea turtles’ habitat sais: ‘I may not have millions in the bank, but I have a legacy of millions in the forest.’
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— Rhea B. Peñaflor, Philippines (Philippines)
Rhea B. Peñaflor (30) is Filipino. She is an active advocate journalist for positive change.
Right: A sea turtle, whose habitat has been preserved by mangrove reforestation, Pagatpat Resort, Philippines.
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The central position of trees in these photographs (taken in Lebanon) symbolizes how crucial they are to our environment. People become shameless when it comes to dealing with nature. They are destructive consumers who trespass across the line with nature, like a young child acting rudely in front of his mother. Citizenship and volunteerism are practical issues and so need to be taught in schools. For civil society to be vibrant and an agent of change for the benefit of the people, citizenship must be the motor, fueled by anger at the status quo. Volunteerism is a synonym for acting!
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— Hady Bishara, Palestine (Lebanon) Hady Bishara (22) is a Palestinian living in Lebanon. He is a student at Notre Dame University and is studying for a Major in International Affairs and Diplomacy. He began photography to capture feelings and images he experienced when volunteering. Right: An artificial lake has been created by deforestation. Bulldozers have cleared the slopes to either side to make way for new buildings. The yellow color of the water is due to pollution mixing with soil from the crumbling mountains ─ a perfect example of the cruelty of humans towards nature. Overleaf left: Focusing on a single tree emphasizes its individuality and importance. The road leads the way forward. Overleaf right: Is this tree the last of its kind? Still standing despite such threats as pollution and deforestation, it is wonderful to see such an old tree holding its ground. The clarity and color of the sky are a sign of hope, saying that, ultimately, the earth is always stronger than humanity. 126
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The Zarafshan reserve is near Samarkand –one of the oldest cities in Uzbekistan and the world – and home to the rare Bachtrian deer. In Uzbekistan, there are people who do care about the environment they live in.
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— Sardor Shaahmedov, Uzbekistan (Uzbekistan)
Sardor Shaahmedov (26) is from Uzbekistan. He is a photographer and has participated in volunteer activities organized by the local environmental group since 2004.
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Right: Volunteers from the local environmental group clear the Zarafshan reserve of garbage and debris thrown by visitors and locals. Near Samarkand, Uzbekistan. 131
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Art is a powerful tool in communicating messages: in this case, our responsibility to safeguard our environment. The need to be stewards of the earth must be ingrained in young people and passed on from one generation to the next.
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— Frances Raquel Narváez, Philippines (India)
Frances Raquel Narváez, from the Philippines, was born in 1987. She studied at Oxford and Webster Universities. She volunteered with the International Humanitarian Foundation to help develop and document the Smokeless stove project in Kodaikanal, South India.
Right: A young kindergarten teacher from India creates a poster to show her students.
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Left: Oxford University students volunteer for a project in rural South India, aimed at building smokeless stoves in underprivileged homes. A smokeless stove reduces indoor air pollution by up to 80% and reduces black carbon, helping prevent global warming.
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Photographers’ Countries of Origin Australia, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cameroun, Canada, Chad, China, Chinese Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Colombia, Comoros, Congo (DRC), France, Gambia, Ghana, Hebron, Palestine, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Macedonia, Mexico, Moldavia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, The Netherlands, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan.
Countries/Regions where photos were taken Australia, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Benin, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Cameroun, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo (DRC), Cyprus, Ecuador, France, Gambia, Ghana, Iceland, India, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Laos, Lebanon, Macedonia, Moldavia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Palau, Pakistan, Palestine, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Senegal, Serbia, Somalia, South Africa, Sweden, Swaziland, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Chinese Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Uzbekistan.
About the photographers Kabbouri Achraf was born in Kenitra, Morocco, in 1974. He is a graphic designer, freelance designer and art photographer. He chairs the Association Jazz 3/4 (teaching jazz to children aged 10 to 16) and is also Artistic Adviser to the Association Envol (illustrating children's books). As a photographer he specializes in event coverage. Kabbour Achraf is the representative of group Numydia and lutenist Nasser Houari. He has a BA in English, a BA in Film and Screenplay (University of Southern California) and a Diploma in Graphic Design (Artcom, Morocco). His photographs & paintings were exhibited at the University of Southern California (2003), the University of New York (2001), the Guggenheim (2001) and at the Central Park Summer Festival (2000 and 2007) as well as in Morocco.
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Ivan Aleksic was born June 20th, 1982 in Paracin, Serbia. He currently studies Marketing at the University of Nis. He has been actively engaged in photography since 2002 and held his first exhibitions in 2004. He became a member of the Photography Club in Nis (PON) and in 2005 he received a creative photography school diploma. He has held three solo exhibitions so far and several group exhibitions in Serbia and abroad. His photographs have been published in many expert journals. He is a PA2 member of the Photo Association of Serbia and is currently organizing exhibitions and photo schools. His main achievements include: Special Dejan Mancic Foundation award for 2005; Young Photographers group exhibition in Italy, 2007, at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary art of Trento and Rovereto (MART); participation in the ‘Kosovo Diary’ project for the support of professional media development in Serbia. Website: www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_aleksic/
Khaled Al-Masri is from Jordan, where he is working with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) as Advocacy Specialist. He lives in Amman, Jordan. Khaled has been involved in the campaign ’Save Jordan's Trees’ which won the Golden Award at the Green Apple Awards as ‘The best Environmental Practice in Asia 2006’. Website: www.public.fotki.com/kalmasri
Amasaba Abdul-Yakeen Aluizah (39), from Ghana, comes from a large African family with several siblings. He is unmarried. Amasaba has a great passion for the environment, conservation and human rights and is actively involved in all of these fields. He is a trained teacher and photojournalist and describes himself as a passionate photographer who takes great risks to get photographs.
Pandora Apostoloska Sazdovska was born in 1975 in the Republic of Macedonia. She is a recognized professional photographer, who has exhibited in both individual and group exhibits. In 2004 she gained a Bachelor’s Degree in Painting, Restoration and Conservation from the Faculty of Fine Arts, St. Kiril i Metodij, in Skopje, Macedonia. She went on to gain a Master’s in Philosophy in 2007 in Art History. Her latest exhibitions include: ‘Art Colony Mrcevci’, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, (2009); Eco River Vrdar Festival, Skopje, Macedonia, ‘Everything Has its Own Price’, photography exhibition & performance (2008); Tocka, Cultural Center, Skopje, Macedonia, ‘Traces of Time’ exhibition of paintings (2008) and many others. Website: www.pandoras-art-box.blogspot.com
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Zouhar Ben Amor was born July 24th, 1955 in Hammam Sousse, Tunisia. He holds a Ph.D. in Marine Biology and now works as a lecturer at the Faculty of Sciences of Tunis. He has been passionate about photography since 1970 and has exhibited since 1974. His latest individual exhibitions include: ‘Big Bang’ (2008), ‘Houmti’ at El Teatro, El Mechtel; a portrait exhibition on the main roundabout in Ez-Zahra (2005) and ‘Dazibao.com’ at El Téatro. He also participated in such festivals as Festimed, Yasmine Hammamet (2008) and the 1st international exhibition of Medina photos, Hammamet (2007). Website: www.riwak.new.fr
Hady Bishara (22) is a Palestinian living in Lebanon. His father was born in Lebanon, yet he still does not feel the family enjoy all the civil rights of Lebanese nationals. He is a student at Notre Dame University (www.ndu.edu.lb) and is studying for a Major in International Affairs and Diplomacy. Hady has been practicing photography as a hobby for three years and often volunteers.
Marina Bugarcic was born July 9th, 1987 in a small place in Serbia called Cacak. She graduated in management from Belgrade Business School in 2009. She is one of the members and founder of ’Initiative for Young People’ at Belgrade business school. She has received several prizes in design (Tuborg Green Fest first prize for design), literature (The Vladislav Petkovic Dis Spring, first prize for high school students), sport and photography. She is also a photographer of night life in Belgrade and is planning to occupy herself with documentary photography.
Natthanon Chaengsuk was born January 6th, 1988 in Nonthaburi, Thailand and now lives in the community of Saphan Phut, Bangkok. He took these pictures on behalf of the At First Sight team. The At First Sight Project involves volunteers from UNESCO Bangkok, the International ATD Fourth World Movement and the Friends of ATD Foundation who have jointly developed the project under the UN Volunteers (UNV) program. The project aims to promote volunteerism and network– building between those active in development issues in Bangkok’s society.
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Silvio Combey Combetey has a big passion for journalism. Just a few days after earning his degree in journalism, he won an internship with the weekly publication The Insight in Accra, Ghana. His first major position was back in Togo, with Nostalgia-Lome, one of the most popular radio stations in the capital, deemed to be the channel of intellectuals. He has been published in New Age, Info-South, The Independent Express and the website of the International Press Agency (www.acpinter.net). In March 2009 he was elected President of the Association of Tourism Journalists (AJT) in Togo. Website: www.sylviocombey.wordpress.com
Silvia di Gaetano was born September 25th, 1981. She is Italian. She graduated as a translator and interpreter and has worked as a translator for a number of different companies. She speaks nine languages (Italian, English, German, Spanish, French, Catalan, Dutch, Romanian and Quichua) and has traveled widely. Silvia has also been involved as a volunteer in a number of countries, working in particular with children. Her pictures represent her perspective about life, the environment and volunteering in countries where the environment is still undamaged. She graduated from the Libera Università degli studi (S.PIO V) in Rome with a Master’s Degree in Translation & Interpretation (2006).
Sophie Dupont (24) is studying political science and making her first steps in journalism, but most of all she’s a great traveler. Nicolas Durand was born in Geneva in 1973. He first became interested in photography studying at the University of Waterloo in 1995, joining a group of amateur photo enthusiasts. He then spent a year in Latin America where he took more than 3000 photographs. Today, he works in the field of communications and computing, but continues to travel and take pictures when he can. He has created a gallery of photos online. Website: www.photoexpo.net
Bassam S. El-Madhoun was born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Since 2006 he has worked as a Qatar TV Correspondent in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. He has also been a director and trainer for STREAMS Advertisement and Marketing solutions since 2008. From 2007 to 2008 he served as a Senior Producer for the Middle East offices of Palestine Capital Studio (PCS) covering Palestine (Gaza Strip, Ram Allah), Jerusalem, Lebanon (Beirut, Southern Suburb), Syria (Damascus), Iraq (Baghdad), Jordan (Amman) and Iran (Tehran). Bassam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the Al-Aqsa University Faculty of Media, with a specialization in Radio and Television. Website: www.youtube.com/BassamElMadhoun 138
Alexis Girardin (23) first became interested in photography at school at the age of twelve and since then it has become his passion. He has a BA in Sociology and Human Geography from the University of Neuchâtel and this year he began a Master’s Degree at the University of Freiburg in Economics, specializing in Ethics and Human Rights. Among his biggest achievements are first place in a photo contest organized by the University of Neuchâtel in 2008 and publication in le Cafignon, a journal for Neuchâtel students, the Neuchâtel newspaper L’Express and the magazine Photo. He has also had an exhibition in Neuchâtel at the Chauffage Compris club. Website: www.alexis-girardin.com
Sophie Gonin is a photographer & founder of Sogo Photography. She was born and raised in the state of Vaud in Switzerland, to an Iranian mother and a Swiss father. Growing up, she enjoyed nature, people and the arts. She moved to the U.S. when she was a teenager and aged fourteen took her first trip to Italy where her interest in photography began. Sophie graduated Summa Cum Laude from college in San Diego and was awarded the title of Outstanding Advertising Graduate. She worked her way up to marketing manager for an online travel publisher and continues to pursue photography with passion. Website: www.sogophotography.com
Houssam Hassani was born December 10th, 1984 at Koimbani Oichili, Comoros. A graduate in modern French literature from the University of Comoros, he works as a freelance photographer. In 2005 he was elected President of the Union of Cooperatives of Private Schools. Previously, in 2004, he was a spokesman for the Union of Cooperatives of Private Schools. He is also involved in sport, as an assistant in the Ngazidja Soccer League (2005-2008). He speaks Arabic, Swahili and English.
Kodjo Isaiah Jahsede was born July 26th, 1982 in Nigeria. He is currently living in Gambia and has five years experience as a photographer. He works in the field of advertising as a head creative at Dmessage Ltd and previously at Exposure Fotografix Ltd. He is a member of the Advertising Practitioner Council of Nigeria (APCON) and Afro European Medical Research Network (AEMR Network). His involvement in international graphics exhibitions includes: ‘NewAfrica’, Denmark (2007) and ‘Embracing our Differences’, USA (2008).
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Viola Krebs Born in 1969, Viola Krebs, Swiss, first began developing her vision and passion for photography, cross-cultural exchange and contrasts as she embarked on her first world voyages as a teenager. Later, her camera became her most trusted companion on trips she undertook exploring over 50 countries. Viola's photography has been exhibited nationally and internationally. Most recently her work was featured at Universal Forum of Cultures Barcelona (Spain), the European Union in Brussels (Belgium) and in the context of the World Summit on the Information Society 2003 in Geneva. Viola is also the Founder and Executive Director of ICVolunteers (www.icvolunteers.org), an international non-profit organization working in the field of communications. She is a member of the Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN-GAID) Strategy Council and the co-founder of Informaticiens sans frontières (ISF). By training, she is a socio-linguist and has a Masters in Communications and Media Studies from the University of Geneva, Switzerland. Website: www.violakrebsphotos.com
Louise Liu Yi is a Chinese researcher and Independent Documentary Filmmaker, as well as a long-time volunteer with NGOs. Currently working as a researcher for a Visual Anthropology program at the East Asian Institute of Visual Anthropology in Kunming, China, she is also a Volunteer Trainer and Consultant for the Eco-Network, a local NGO. She graduated from the University of Edinburgh in Cultural Studies with an MSc and worked previously as an Advocacy, Communication and Information Specialist for UNMIL (United Nations Mission in Liberia); as a UN volunteer in Monrovia and Liberia; and as a parttime lecturer at the Shanghai International Studies university in Shanghai, China.
Juda Lomian is a refugee from Chad and now lives in Douala, Cameroon, under the mandate of UNHCR. He is unmarried and has three children. After graduating from the College of the Enlightenment in Moundou, Chad, he became interested in theater, music, football, photography, and the defense of human rights. In 2001 he decided to become a professional photojournalist. After training, he was hired as a photographer for the magazine Young Continent. Juda is currently working as Secretary for Public Relations and Communications for the Association for the Defense of Human Rights and Migration.
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Parker Mah, originally from Canada, now lives and works in Senegal. He has a background in ICT training and international development with a passion for volunteerism and languages. Parker performed community-based volunteer work in Red Deer and Cape Town through participation in the Africa-Canada Eco-Leadership Program. As a Student Assistant in the International Centre at Red Deer College, he contributed articles and photos to the student newspaper, organized cultural events, tutored and presented in various classes, and provided support for international students. At Bushradio in Cape Town, he worked as a News Intern, covering events as a reporter and photographer, creating audio pieces, working in the music library, and helping produce a daily talk/music program. He also volunteered at the Feedback Food Redistribution Project, the Central Alberta AIDS Network Society, the Media Kidocracy Konference on Robben Island, and various other nonprofit organizations. Website: www.thirdeyedea.blogspot.com
Mary Moseley is an international development consultant focused on the microfinance industry. She is a 2005 graduate of the University of Georgia. From 2005-2009, she worked for Accenture LLP, providing management and technology consulting services to a broad range of clients from the private, government and non-profit sectors. While at Accenture, Mary completed a Fellowship with Kiva Microfunds, volunteering in Senegal to develop Kiva’s new partnerships with local microfinance institutions. During this Fellowship, she worked with group lending, village banking and traditional banking structures. Mary has spoken publicly on microfinance topics and continues to pursue a career providing access to finance and financial education to others. She is currently living and working in the Western highlands of Guatemala.
Frances Raquel NarvĂĄez, from the Philippines, was born in 1987. Through awards such as an Ambassadorial Scholarship, St. Gallen Wings of Excellence Award and the Oxford University Society Travel Award, she has lived and traveled to many different places, enabling her to experience and witness firsthand the enormous disparity between the rich and the poor. She is interested in using technology to improve the lives of underprivileged communities and new media to communicate messages of social justice, human rights, and basic health care. She has been involved in the creation of a digital psychosocial library, in fundraising for UNICEF UK, and in publicity for Oxford University's Young Carers South Africa Project and Health Talk Online Project. She has volunteered as a journalist for numerous international conferences, helped start up a maternal health care project in Burma and has recently gone to South India to help develop and document the Smokeless Stove Project, aimed at reducing indoor air pollution levels and increasing biomass efficiency. She is completing a BA in Psychology and a minor in Media Communications and has studied at Webster University and Oxford University. 141
Talabi Oluwatosin Adeniyi is Nigerian. He graduated in Accounting from Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria. He works as an accountant and professional photographer. Talabi learnt how to take photographs when he was at university as a means of earning money. Today, he captures events that affect the environment and humanity. He also has an interest in anything that will improve the lives of other people. Kim Oorebeek is from the Netherlands. She is a recent graduate interested in learning about different cultures and urban geography. Through her travels for work and pleasure she has become interested in the effects of tourism on the cultures and environment of the places they visit.
Mirabela Osadci was born in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, in 1983. She is a Psychology Graduate, Trainer and NGO Activist. She has volunteered for several years and has worked in social projects on life skills, reproductive health, countertrafficking, domestic violence, child protection, youth empowerment and leadership. She is art sensitive and an amateur photographer.
Seran Özel loves the world and how we are all related. He was born in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. At the age of nine he moved to Northern Cyprus and later studied Computer Science at Swansea University. He has now returned to Cyprus and is taking a Master’s in Political Science and International Relations at Middle East Technical University (METU) where he will also be a research assistant.
Rhea B. Peñaflor is from the Philippines. She is an active advocate-journalist for positive change. Rhea continues to serve as a resource speaker and consultant to various symposia and seminars and has trained young leaders, young professionals and adults – both in the public and private sectors – with the goal of strengthening knowledge empowerment. Rhea has written many articles on issues such as cultural activism, press freedom, preserving the environment, politics, reproductive health and volunteerism, among others. She has also served as a senior anchor for eleven years on the Counseling-On-Air radio program entitled, Tingog Sang Pamatan-on Sa Hutik Sang Kagab-ihon (Voice of the Youth in the Whispers of the Night) aired over Bombo Radio, Philippines, with the support of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The program tackles issues relating to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Rhea was also chosen among many applicants for the European Journalism Institute held in Prague, Czech Republic, in July 2009. 142
Michel Rissoan has been a photographer for nearly 25 years working in areas such as: Portrait, Advertising, Industrial, Landscape, Tourism and Society. Since October 1977 he has been a recognized ‘Photographer Author’. He makes images for illustration and publishing. Michael was born in La Voulte-sur-Rhone, Ardèche, in 1960 and has lived at St Julien, St Alban, for over thirteen years. He is an Ardéchois at heart and 98% of his photographic work is done in the department. His exhibitions include ‘L’Ardèche des Préaux’ (presenting seventeen school classes from the north to south of the Ardèche) and ‘Mon Pays, Cette Ardèche Eternelle’ (My country, Eternal Ardèche). Joan Rojas is a photojournalist from Colombia. He works in Santa Marta, a tourist destination on the Atlantic coast where he volunteers for the annual beach cleanup. Ciril Schulz is currently studying agriculture at the School of Engineering in Lullier, Switzerland. He is passionate about nature. For seven years he has worked with bees and hopes to make it a part of his professional life. He has traveled around Senegal and Ireland after earning an International Baccalaureate.
Sardor Shaahmedov (26) is from Uzbekistan. He is a photographer and has participated in volunteer activities organized by the local environment group since 2004.
Ameer Shaheed holds both Swiss and Pakistani nationality. He grew up in Geneva and later carried out his higher education in the United Kingdom in Biochemistry and Environmental Engineering. Ameer currently works with the World Health Organization (WHO) in water, sanitation and hygiene. Most of his pictures have been taken while traveling for work or study in places such as Pakistan, Nepal, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Seye Talabi (40) from Lagos, Nigeria, has worked as a graphic artist and professional photographer for many years. He participated in a number of conflict analysis and peace education trainings and conferences in Nigeria, Ghana and other African countries, representing the Pan-African Reconciliation Centre (PARC). This institute enabled him to obtain a Certificate in Conflicts Analysis from the United States Institute of Peace.
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Fred Taylor is a weekday Asian marketing specialist and weekend amateur photographer based in Sydney, Australia. Fred has business level fluency in Japanese and currently works in international trade promotion for the Japanese Government. He gained a Bachelor of Business degree (Distinction) in 2007 and completed a part-time Master’s in Marketing & Strategic Management in 2009. His passion for photography has been recognized in the Jetstar Airlines Photo Competition (Finalist), National Youth Week 2009 Photo Competition (National Finalist Top 5 - Senior Category), Vivacity 2009 Sydney Photo Competition (Finalist) and City of Sydney 2009 New Year Eve Photo Competition (Winner). In the future, Fred hopes to photograph more of our world through his camera lens.
Simon Tongue was born in 1971. He is a British national who has called the Geneva area home for almost ten years and has been active as a photographer for a number of years. Simon is also an international business professional with a wealth of financial and commercial experience. He worked for eight years with Universal Air Travel Plan as a Regional Commercial Manager and Marketing Manager.
Andrés Felipe Valenzuela Parra (24) was born in Bucaramanga, Colombia. He is a professional journalist and photojournalist with four years of experience in media. Currently, he is working with the public sector and also does freelance work. Andrés had the opportunity to travel around his country, doing humanitarian photography, showing the reality of the people, their problems, their passions and illusions. He loves photography and social work and likes to take the initiative to help those who are the most in need and to expose the injustice in his country.
Novic Arman Zhenikeyev (30) is a professional photographer from the Republic of Kazakhstan (Middle Asia). The main themes covered by his photography include fashion, advertising, portrait, adventure and tourism. In the past, he worked as an environmental specialist for an international environmental consulting company. In this context, he had to take environmental photographs. Over time, his passion for photography overtook his work and has lead to him becoming a full-time photographer. He has worked in environmental consulting for seven years and in photography for eight. Website: www.photo.net/photos/novic
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Des regards croisés de photographes volontaires, un périple dans 60 pays pour célébrer les 10 ans d’ICVolontaires… A voyage, diverse perspectives from 60 countries through the lens of volunteer photographers celebrating ICVolunteers’ 10th anniversary...