Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Laos & Cambodia: Suthep Kritsanavarin Photos Of Siphadon Mekong Fishing Under Threat



TOP: Photo © John Brown All Rights Reserved

BOTTOM: Photo © Suthep Kritsanavarin All Rights Reserved

A few months ago I had the opportunity to view Suthep Kritsanavarin's award winning photo documentary, Siphadon Mekong Fishing Under Threat, shot over a three-year period, that is draws vital attention to the demise of traditional fishing communities and wildlife damaged by hydropower and mega-structure projects in Laos and Cambodia along the Mekong River.

The exhibit was sponsored by the International Rivers Network (IRN) and I was very impressed by the Cambodians who staffed the event. They were quite hospitable and had in depth knowledge of the threat that hydropower development poses along the Mekong River.

Learning that Suthep has taught workshops at the Angkor Photography Festival with people such as Gary Knight of the VII photo agency was no surprise.

Suthep Kritsanavarin is one of Asia's leading photojournalists. His award-winning work has been published internationally in: the New York Times, International Herald Tribune, National Geographic Thailand, Geographical, Aera and Japan Times.

Suthep has covered environmental, social and humanitarian issues in Southeast Asia for nearly two decades. Suthep’s work is based on his firm belief that a photojournalist must act as a conscientious observer of society and culture. He has to contribute to social change on a local and global level. He achieves these goals by working on a project over long durations to build deep understanding on the topic and to establish trust among the communities where he works. Suthep’s powerful images create in-depth documentary essays shot over protracted periods of time on his own initiative and funding.

Recently, Suthep traveled to Burma within a week after Cyclone Nargis that devastated the country. Suthep was able to visit distant areas devastated by the cyclone and chronicled the suffering of people caused by the military government’s actions or lack thereof. His images bore witness to the destruction, torment, and despair not only caused by the cyclone but also exacerbated by the government.

Please continue reading more about Suthep Kritsanavarin

To learn more about future hydropower development in Southeast Asia visit the Mekong River Commission website.

John Brown Photojournalist On LIGHTSTALKERS
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