Water stories: The global water crisis in pictures

2 min read
Women walking in the desert while pulling a rope

Water Stories, WaterAid’s global photography exhibition in collaboration with Earthwatch and WWF and supported by the HSBC Water Programme, is now showing in a stunning outdoor setting at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Harbour Waterfront, following showings in Vancouver, New York, Stockholm, London and Hong Kong.

Featuring work by award-winning photographer Mustafah Abdulaziz, the free outdoor exhibition tells the story of the global water crisis and its impact on the people and the land in four continents through beautiful photography. The Water Stories exhibition of 70 large-scale images encourages its audience to consider how we use water, how it is linked to every part of the prosperity of our lives and how clean water and protected waterways, are critical to our future.

Woman with sick child
A child suffering from severe diarrhoea, Thatta, Pakistan.
Image: WaterAid/Mustafah Abdulaziz

Since 2011, the American photographer has travelled the world for his long-term photographic project on water. His powerful images convey the effects of the global water crisis on people and the environment, and how better management and protection of water sources can strengthen communities, and underpin development.

Woman washing in bucket
Seema Gosain, Goswami slum, Kanpur, India.
Image: WaterAid/Mustafah Abdulaziz

Mr Abdulaziz says: “Water is one of the great challenges of our time. Across the planet we are seeing our fundamental relationship with water called into question…it is my hope that this exhibition may, irrespective of our borders, remind us that we must address this challenge as one and work towards coexistence with our environment, as much for individual benefit as our collective gain. Our future depends on our understanding; water hangs in the balance.”
 

View of an Indian slum at dusk
Rakhi Mandi slum, Kanpur, India.
Image: WaterAid/Mustafah Abdulaziz

The exhibition is brought to Australia for the first time by the HSBC Water Programme, in partnership with WWF, Earthwatch and WaterAid.

Children in the desert on their way to collect water in Pakistan
Children journey to collect water, Sindh Province, Pakistan.
Image: WaterAid/Mustafah Abdulaziz

Water Stories: The global water crisis in pictures will be on display at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, 15 August – 5 September 2017, 7am-8pm.

Click here for more information on the Water Stories exhibition.