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In my small community  Kobayath with a tradition of annual shooting events for migratory birds, around 30,000 cartridges are discharged each season the photo is one location out of seven. This practice has been ongoing for the last 50 years, leading to significant environmental accumulation and impact. Each cartridge consists of a plastic casing with approximately 30 grams of lead, summing up to nearly one ton  per location of lead being deposited into the environment annually. The cartridges, which combine plastic casings with brass, are challenging and costly to recycle due to the materials being tightly adhered. This difficulty in recycling has led to an accumulation of both lead and plastic at the shooting site and the surrounding area, which extends about 300 meters in front of the shooting ground. Over the decades, the repeated activities have not only contributed to lead contamination but also a substantial build-up of plastic waste in the soil. The environmental implications of this accumulation are severe. Lead contamination poses serious risks to soil health, potentially affecting plant growth and infiltrating the local water systems, which can have further consequences on wildlife and human health. The plastic casings, which do not biodegrade easily, contribute to long-term pollution, affecting the aesthetics and ecological balance of the area. In response, and after attending the workshop I will start acting and raising the issue by collecting these empty shells for the last two seasons act with local municipality to introduce measures for each hunter to collect the spent shells and advocate for the usage of metal instead of lead fillings.

Despite these positive steps, the high cost of recycling the existing cartridges remains a challenge. The community continues to seek viable solutions to manage the accumulated waste effectively and affordably.

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I used to think that the relationship between climate change and humanitarian work, particularly in the WASH sector, was somewhat loose and tenuous. While I recognized the importance of providing clean water and sanitation during emergencies, I hadn’t fully grasped the extent to which neglecting sustainable practices could cause irreversible damage and undermine recovery efforts in the long term.

This perspective shifted during my participation in the ECT WASH program. A pivotal moment for me was the Chan School project, where TKS introduced solar-powered water pumps. These pumps not only improved access to clean water but also significantly reduced reliance on electricity and fuel, making a tangible positive impact on climate change. This experience underscored the critical importance of integrating climate considerations into humanitarian responses. It dawned on me that every business decision we make can either contribute to or mitigate climate change.

Since then, I have come to view climate action as an imperative, both in my personal life and professional work. I’ve taken steps to reduce my carbon footprint, including equipping my future home with tools and systems to install solar energy, replacing traditional electricity sources with eco-friendly alternatives.

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I took this picture a few days ago and it is close to where I live. This picture affected me a lot because this polluted water comes from a very luxurious restaurant in the city of Dohuk. I am very surprised by the role of the municipality in this matter and not holding accountable those who caused this visual and environmental pollution. They are doing their part in holding accountable the owners of small shops in the city.

The funny thing about this matter is that when you enter the restaurant, you find it very clean and elegant, but in reality, all of this comes at a price, which is harming the environment and nature.

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Water waste and increased desertification

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Water waste and increased desertification

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This photo was taken in Salah al-Din Governorate - Al-Alam District in the eighth branch of the irrigation canal.

I took this photo and I feel very sad about what is happening in our country because of the severe neglect we are facing in all areas. What we see now is causing a major crisis and increasing the risk of climate change.

I see in this photo several things that could exacerbate the situation. The first is the waste of a large amount of water that overflows outside the irrigation canal. The second is the lack of water reaching the lands that are after this section. Therefore, we are wasting water here and unfortunately increasing desertification.

In the end, this place was treated within our project and this problem was solved and the canal was opened to the last point.

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This is my daily walk to work in Iraq. I live in a small city of Duhok, that is surrounded by mountains and famous for its natural areas. And compared to a lot of other areas, the disposing of waste is relatively good. However it still saddens me to see heaps of rubbish thrown on streets, sidewalks, landfills. The removal of waste by the local municipalities is irregular and not consistent and people often lack the mindset of why they should not thrown trash out the car window or to the street. 

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Supporting the adoption of agroecology practices has had a profound impact on me personally. At the start of this project, I was motivated primarily by the need to address the immediate challenges posed by climate change on the farmers. However, as the project progressed, I found that the work has become much more than just implementing a new set of agricultural techniques—it has become a transformative experience for me, both professionally and emotionally.

One of the most significant personal shifts has been my growing connection to the land and the people working with it. Agroecology is not just about sustainable farming; it’s about building relationships with the environment and with the communities that rely on it and to also to understand what we are eating. Over time, I have learned that my role should be about inspiring others to believe in the potential of such practices, even in the face of uncertainty.

We are what we eat!

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A Wasteful Habit: A photoVoice from AN Lebanon

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Before joining the ECT WASH program, I was guilty of wasting water. I would often leave the tap running while washing dishes or brushing my teeth. I didn't realize the impact of my actions on the environment and the community.

After attending the workshops and field visits, I became aware of the severe water scarcity in my area. I was shocked to learn about the dwindling groundwater levels and the increasing demand for water. This knowledge made me reflect on my own water usage habits.

Inspired by the program, I made a conscious effort to conserve water. I now turn off the tap while brushing my teeth and only run it when necessary while washing dishes. I have also installed a water-saving device on my faucet to reduce water flow.

This photo serves as a reminder of my past wasteful habits and the importance of water conservation. It symbolizes the need to be mindful of our water usage and to adopt sustainable practices.

I encourage everyone to join me in conserving water. Every drop counts!

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Example of PhotoVoice from Latin America

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Example of PhotoVoice from Latin America

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I took this picture a few years ago, it reflects the severe impact of drought and climate change in our communities. There is a child labour issue here, of course. I can't even imagine how hard is living in that community and I wonder how can we still let this happens.