ABOUT CHRISTIAN
At the Frontiers of Science, Exploration and Global Change
Christian Clauwers is a Belgian documentary photographer, explorer, writer and keynote speaker whose work examines environmental and cultural transformation through the lens of science, exploration and visual storytelling.
His fieldwork spans the polar regions, vulnerable island states and the world’s oceans. From 81° north to 78° south, across more than 115 countries and all seven continents, he has documented scientific expeditions, remote environments and communities experiencing profound ecological and cultural change. At the heart of his work is 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 photography, exploration and visual storytelling.
His projects are grounded in firsthand field experience, from Antarctic voyages and Arctic field missions to scientific research expeditions at sea and long-term documentation across remote island states. Working alongside scientists and research institutions, he documents not only environmental change, but also the people, processes and knowledge through which that change is observed and understood.
Clauwers brings these experiences beyond the field through exhibitions, publications and public speaking. As an international keynote and TEDx speaker, he has presented his work across all seven continents, translating scientific research and firsthand experience into visual narratives for conferences, universities, governments, institutions and wider public audiences.
He has participated as an official member of the Belgian delegation to multiple United Nations Climate Change Conferences and contributes to international dialogue on climate change, oceans, environmental transformation and cultural resilience. His broader body of work forms a growing visual archive of environmental and cultural change in the 21st century, connecting field observation and scientific research with public understanding and long-term memory.
Christian Clauwers is a Fellow of The Explorers Club and the Royal Geographical Society and an Ambassador for the European Union Climate Pact. His photographic archive is also preserved in the Arctic World Archive, where he became the first Belgian contributor to the long-term repository.
“— 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 scientific realities into powerful visual narratives that inform, connect and foster long-term awareness and responsibility.
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
• STCW Declaration of Medical Fitness (Medical Certificate)
• International boating license: International Certificate of Competency (ICC) – Inshore/Coastal/Motor/Sail
• Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) certified: professional training in monitoring marine mammals during offshore operations and implementing mitigation measures to minimise disturbance and potential injury from underwater noise.
• 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
In 2025, I was honoured to receive Paul Harris Fellow recognition from the Rotary Club of Antioch, Illinois (USA), which contributed $1,000 in my name to The Rotary Foundation in recognition of my work in environmental awareness and visual storytelling.
Named after Rotary’s founder, the recognition reflects the principle of “Service Above Self” and its commitment to making a positive contribution to society.
“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