Photographer discusses watershed degradation
(Reprinted from The Darien Times, March 11, 2009)
THE new Environmental Series at the Darien Community Association will kick off at 7 on Thursday, March 19, with Alison M. Jones, founder and director of the non-profit organization, No Water No Life.
Lower Omo River Basin, woman holding empty waterbottle on market day. © Alison M. Jones
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Jones combines the power of photography, science and stakeholder knowledge to discuss watershed degradation and sustainable solutions for managing vital freshwater resources.
Jones has photographed in Africa for over 10 years, mostly for conservation and development programs. While co-piloting over Africa, Jones realized how its rivers and lakeshores are “ribbons of life,” and became immersed in studying global water issues. As director of No Water No Life, Jones uses photography to publicize the concerns of scientists and stakeholders regarding watershed degradation and to promote public awareness of sustainable management solutions. Her images are seen in magazines, in books and on television, and are used as the basis of her workshops, lectures and exhibits.
Jones was granted an honorary master’s degree in photography from Brooks Institute. She is a fellow of the International League of Conservation Photography, director of the North American Nature Photography Association, and member of the Explorers Club, American Society of Media Professionals, and TechnoServe, a development agency providing solutions to rural poverty. She was a founding supporter of Kenya’s Mara Conservancy and is currently enrolled at Columbia University’s Center for Environmental Research and Conservation.
The event is open to the public and will benefit the Darien Community Association and its Scholarship Fund. The 2009 Environmental Lecture Series is being co-sponsored by the Darien Nature Center and the Connecticut Fund for the Environment. Individual or series tickets may be purchased through the DCA by calling 655-9050. Students may attend free of charge.
The lecture series takes place at the DCA at 274 Middlesex Road in Darien. For more information, call the DCA at 655-9050 or visit www.dariendca.org.
No Water No Life exhibit at the Darien Nature Center
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Jones’ images on display at nature center
Alison M. Jones, photographer and founder of No Water No Life, returns to the Darien Nature Center to display her photographs in an exhibit on display from March 22 through April 25. An opening reception will be held from 4 to 6 on Sunday, March 22.
Jones and her No Water No Life team have spent the last three years researching six case study watersheds: the Columbia, Mississippi and Raritan river basins in North America and the Nile, Omo and Mara river basins in the Greater Horn of Africa.
Through exhibits and lectures, Jones’ goal is to share what she has learned with watershed stakeholders, nature centers and science classes.
The Darien Nature Center is open weekdays from 9 to 4 and on Saturdays from 9 to 1. For more information, call the nature center at 655-7459.
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