ABOUT CHRISTIAN
At the Frontiers of Science, Exploration and Global Change
Christian Clauwers is a Belgian documentary photographer, explorer and keynote speaker whose work operates at the intersection of environmental transformation, scientific research and global systems.
His fieldwork spans the polar regions, vulnerable island states, and oceanic environments, documenting scientific expeditions, geopolitical frontiers and shifting ecological and cultural realities. From 81° north latitude to 78° south latitude, in more than 114 countries and on all seven continents, his work explores the complex interdependence between human societies and the natural systems on which they rely.
Trained in Political Science at the University of Antwerp and Global Management at Antwerp Management School, Clauwers previously worked within the Flemish Parliament before dedicating his career to documentary practice and visual storytelling.
His projects are grounded in firsthand field experience — including Antarctic voyages, Arctic field missions, French Southern Territory expeditions and long-term documentation across Pacific island states facing environmental and cultural loss. His archive is preserved in the Arctic World Archive, marking the first Belgian contribution to this long-term repository secured in Arctic permafrost.
As a former official Belgian delegate to multiple United Nations Climate Change Conferences, Clauwers contributes to international dialogue on climate, ocean governance, environmental risk and cultural resilience. He collaborates with scientific institutions, policymakers and several organizations to translate complex realities into accessible visual narratives that inform public debate and institutional decision-making.
Beyond individual projects, his broader body of work forms a growing visual archive of environmental and cultural transformation in the 21st century — linking exploration, research and public engagement.
Christian Clauwers is a Fellow of The Explorers Club and the Royal Geographical Society. He is an ambassador for the European Union's Climate Pact and ambassador and the first Belgian contributor to the Arctic World Archive.
“— Blessed are the curious, for they will have adventures.”
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, 2017.
MISSION STATEMENT
To translate complex environmental, cultural and geopolitical realities into powerful visual narratives that inform institutions, strengthen public discourse and foster long-term responsibility.
Christian’s work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to clean water (SDG 6), climate action (SDG 13), life below water (SDG 14), life on land (SDG 15) and global partnerships (SDG 17).
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
2011
Master of Global Management
Antwerp Management School, Belgium
2010
Master in Comparative and European Politics,
University of Antwerp, Belgium
2009
Erasmus Exchange Program
Centre for European Studies, Jagiellonian University
Krakow, Poland
2008
Bachelor in Communication Science
University of Antwerp, Belgium
ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT
2008
Model United Nations
The American University in Cairo, Egypt.
2008
European Summer School – Transatlantic relations from the perspective of Central Europe
Institute for European Policy, Prague, Czech Republic.
PROFESSIONAL & MARITIME CERTIFICATIONS
• STCW Basic Safety Training A-VI/1-1,1-2,1-3,1-4
- Elementary First Aid Training
- Personal Survival Techniques Training
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities Training
- Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting Training
• International boating license: International Certificate of Competency (ICC) – Inshore/Coastal/Motor/Sail
• Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Powerboat Level 2
• Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Day Skipper
• Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Coastal Skipper
• Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Yachtmaster Offshore
• Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) – Short Range Certificate (VHF)
• Firearms license for professional operations in the Arctic
• European Firearms Pass
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 IUCN Commission on Education and Communication (CEC)
Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary Club Member. Supporting the seventh area of focus: Supporting the Environment.
Member of the EU4Ocean Platform & the UN Ocean Decade Network
Christian Clauwers is an ambassador and the first Belgian contributor to the Arctic World Archive (AWA). Located in Svalbard, the Arctic World Archive is a secure long-term vault dedicated to the preservation of critical data and cultural heritage in a format designed to endure for centuries. In an era defined by environmental instability, geopolitical risk and digital vulnerability, AWA serves as a safeguard for humanity’s collective memory.
Clauwers archived a selection of photographs documenting vulnerable island communities threatened by rising sea levels and ocean areas undergoing ecological transformation. Supported by BELSPO (Belgian Science Policy Office), he also deposited photographic documentation of Belgium’s 2022 marine scientific expedition aboard the R/V BELGICA — preserving a visual record of contemporary research and national maritime heritage.
Stored in Arctic permafrost, these archives contribute to a long-term repository intended to protect knowledge against technological obsolescence and global disruption.
More info on https://arcticworldarchive.org/collection/belgium/
BRAND AMBASSADOR
Christian collaborates exclusively with brands whose sustained commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility and ethical production aligns with the values underpinning his work.
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
PAUL HARRIS FELLOW RECOGNITION
I was deeply honoured to receive the Paul Harris Fellow recognition from the Rotary Club of Antioch, Illinois (USA) — one of Rotary International’s highest distinctions.
The club announced that they will contribute $1,000 in my name to the Rotary Foundation, in recognition of my ongoing work in environmental awareness, climate storytelling, and connecting people across cultures and generations through photography and exploration.
Named after Rotary’s founder, the Paul Harris Fellow celebrates service above self — a principle that perfectly resonates with my mission to raise environmental awareness through visual storytelling and collaboration. A heartfelt thank you to the Rotary community in Antioch and worldwide.
“Christian, my friend and champion for all life – with deepest admiration for all you are doing for the Ocean.”
SELECTED COLLABORATIONS
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.
STAY CONNECTED – FOLLOW THE JOURNEY