ABOUT CHRISTIAN
Documenting the natural world to preserve it
Christian Clauwers is a Belgian photographer, explorer, public speaker, and author. His work spans from the oceans to the polar regions, documenting scientific research and the complex relationship between humans and nature.
As an adventurer, Clauwers has traveled to the polar extremes of our planet—from 81° North to 78° South—and has explored over 114 countries across all seven continents. He has sailed all five oceans, reaching some of the world's most remote and uncharted islands.
After studying Political Science at the University of Antwerp and Global Management at the Antwerp Management School, Clauwers worked as a Communications Manager in the Flemish Parliament before fully dedicating his life to documentary photography and storytelling.
Self-portrait inside Robert Falcon Scott’s Discovery Hut, built in 1902, and used for the British Antarctic Expeditions in 1901, 1907 and 1910. Ross Sea, Antarctica.
Christian believes in the power of images. Through his photography, he highlights climate change, biodiversity loss, scientific research and the human footprint, bridging people and nature through visual storytelling. His work is preserved in the Arctic World Archive, marking the first Belgian contribution to this global archive deep in the Arctic permafrost.
Clauwers explores some of the planet’s most extreme and fragile landscapes, capturing both their unparalleled beauty and vulnerability. His expeditions offer a unique perspective on the interplay between nature and human influence, aiming to inspire awareness and action.
As an official Belgian delegate to multiple UN Climate Change Conferences (COP25–COP29), Clauwers has presented his work on the global stage. He has collaborated with scientists, filmmakers, and organizations such as NAUSICAÁ and OnlyOne (SeaLegacy), using visual storytelling to communicate the urgency of climate change.
His previous projects include entering the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a semi-circumnavigation of Antarctica, and scientific expeditions to the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF). In the Pacific, with the support of former president Anote Tong of Kiribati and the president of the Marshall Islands, Clauwers documented the effects of rising sea levels, freshwater salinisation and coastal erosion, and the plastics problem. Both presidents wrote forewords for Christian's book publications on this critical issue.
Christian Clauwers is a Fellow of The Explorers Club a European Union Climate Pact Ambassador and a co-founder and contributor of the Arctic World Archive.
“— Blessed are the curious, for they will have adventures.”
MISSION STATEMENT
— Raising Environmental Awareness Through Visual Storytelling —
‘It is my mission to document the natural world and its fragile beauty through visual stories, to create global awareness while bridging science, policy and industry to inspire action, protect biodiversity and encourage a sustainable future for our planet.’
“I am a global nomad. I am an observer — with a mission. I am deeply concerned about the disastrous effect human behaviour has had on nature. I document this process with my camera. I meet locals, academics, scientists, politicians. My camera is my witness. Impact and collective consciousness are the central principles of my work. Action is imperative in order to preserve the last havens of untouched beauty.”
Christian’s mission works toward achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those that contribute to clean water and sanitation (number 6), climate action (number 13), life on land (number 15) and partnerships for the goals (number 17).
AFFILIATIONS | MEMBERSHIPS
Fellow of The Explorers Club
Fellow of The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers)
EU Climate Pact Ambassador
Member of the Rotary Club, supporting the Seventh Pillar of Rotary: protecting the environment
Member of the EU4Ocean Platform
Member of the UN Ocean Decade Network
I am a co-founder, an advisory board member and the first Belgian contributor to the Arctic World Archive (AWA)
AWA is a secure vault in Svalbard dedicated to preserving the world’s most valuable data and cultural heritage for future generations. As climate change, conflict, and cyber threats endanger our shared history, AWA safeguards knowledge in a resilient, long-term format.
By immortalizing my photographs of vulnerable island communities, I give them a voice while raising an alarm on rising sea levels. With the approval of BELSPO (Belgian Science Policy Office), I also archived images of the Belgian research vessel R/V BELGICA, preserving a visual record of marine science in 2022.
Stored in Arctic permafrost, AWA ensures history remains intact for centuries to come.
More info on https://arcticworldarchive.org/collection/belgium/
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
• 2011 Master of Global Management, Antwerp Management School, Belgium.
• 2010 Master in Comparative and European Politics, University of Antwerp, Belgium
• 2009 Erasmus Exchange Program at the Centre for European Studies, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
• 2008 Bachelor in Communication Science, University of Antwerp, Belgium.
• Professional Boating Licence > International Certificate of Competency - ICC Certificate: Inshore/Coastal/Motor/Sails).
• Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Powerboat Handling Level 2 certified.
• Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Day Skipper certified.
• Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore certified.
• Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) | Short Range Certificate (including VHF)
• Licence to shoot (for guiding porpuses in Svalbard).
BRAND AMBASSADOR
Brand Ambassador for Belgium⎪VAUDE
Sustainable outdoor gear
I am a proud brand ambassador for VAUDE, supporting their commitment to sustainable outdoor gear, prioritizing environmental responsibility. www.vaude.com
Ambassador⎪Marine Stewardship Council
Setting standards for sustainable fishing
I am an ambassador for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), advocating for sustainable oceans and responsible fisheries. www.msc.org
Global Brand Ambassador⎪EIZO
Global leader in display monitors
EIZO has provided me the extraordinary opportunity to display precise tones, contrasts and depth of colors with exceptionally sharp image detail and resolution. The professional self-calibrating monitors are bringing my adventures back to life. www.eizo.com
Brand Ambassador for Belgium⎪Explorer cases
Indestructible cases
During my outdoor expeditions, even in the harshest conditions, Explorer cases provide the perfect protection for my equipment. Their waterproof casing can easily withstand temperatures down to -25°C. Impressive! More information about these excellent professional cases on: www.explorercases.com
CLIENTS | PARTNERS
Christian’s favorite place ? Difficult to say. Probably Antarctica... O, and islands. He loves islands! Mostly the subantarctic islands, such as Campbell Island, Kerguelen, Crozet and South Georgia.
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