A typical scene from the waterways of Ziguinchor, Senegal, West Africa. Hand carved wooden canoes resting on the water, elegant white egrets perched gracefully, and, unfortunately, a shoreline scattered with discarded debris and plastic waste. This image encapsulates both the raw beauty of the natural world and the devastating impact of pollution on our waterways.
Ziguinchor, Senegal: The Global Crisis of Waterway Pollution
A Journey Through Western Africa
This image was captured during my two-month journey through Western Africa, where I spent the majority of my time in Senegal, with a few weeks in The Gambia, where I captured my image of the four Vervet Monkeys posing like a boy band in the Bijilo Forest Park in Serrekunda. From the bustling streets of Dakar, and the awesome beaches on it’s peninsula, to the serene landscapes of the Casamance region, my travels revealed the vibrancy of local cultures but also highlighted the ongoing environmental struggles faced by many communities.
Ziguinchor, the largest city in the Casamance region, offers a fascinating glimpse into Senegalese life away from the tourist hotspots. The overnight ferry from Dakar is an experience in itself, providing travellers with a unique perspective of Senegal’s waterways and coastal environment. But as the ferry arrives in Ziguinchor, one can’t help but notice the plastic-strewn shores—an all-too-common sight throughout Africa and the rest of the world.
The Problem of Pollution
Plastic pollution is a growing crisis, particularly in developing nations where waste management systems struggle to keep up. The rivers and coastal areas of Senegal and The Gambia are no exception, with discarded plastics, fishing nets, and other waste accumulating in the waterways. These pollutants not only harm marine and bird life but also impact the livelihoods of local fishermen who rely on clean waters for their trade.
Nature’s Resilience: The Egrets of Ziguinchor
Amidst the environmental challenges, nature persists. The beautiful white birds in the image are Great Egrets (Ardea alba) and Little Egrets (Egretta garzetta). Their graceful presence on the wooden canoes adds an almost poetic contrast to the scene, a reminder of the delicate balance between wildlife and human impact. These birds are common in wetlands across West Africa, thriving despite the threats posed by pollution and habitat degradation.
Capturing the Moment: Camera Specs
For this image, I used my old camera, a Canon EOS 5D Mark II with my favourite 50mm f/1.4 USM lens. The settings used were ƒ/7.1, a shutter speed of 1/1000 sec with an ISO of 160. This combination allowed me to capture the rich textures of the wooden boats, the delicate details of the birds, and the unsettling presence of garbage floating along the riverbanks.
A Call to Action
Waterway pollution is not just a local issue; it’s a global crisis. As photographers, travellers, and citizens of the world, we must raise awareness and advocate for better waste management solutions. Governments, NGOs, and individuals all have a role to play in keeping our rivers and oceans clean for future generations.
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