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  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
<br />
Photo Shows:  Some men say they can make 3 trips in a single day. It takes them 30 mn to go down (at least double for a tourist), one hour to collect the salt, then 1 hour to clim up back to the village with loaded donkeys. Some men do work from sunrise to sunset.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: The shepherds gather their cows in special areas provided by the government where they can be fed with grass.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA04.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: In the Borana tradition, there is a specific hierarchy for accessing the water: priority is given to the horses, then the calfs, then women, then cows, and finally the camels. Goats and sheep get access to the water anytime. But with the drought, everybody rushes to any point of water.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA15.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: In Borana culture, a man’s wealth is measured by the number of livestock he has. Many own over 1000 animals. Anyone with less than 20 head of cattle is considered impoverished.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA06.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: In Borana culture, a man’s wealth is measured by the number of livestock he has. Many own over 1000 animals. Anyone with less than 20 head of cattle is considered impoverished.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA07.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows:  Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA08.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: In the Borana tradition, there is a specific hierarchy for accessing the water: priority is given to the horses, then the calfs, then women, then cows, and finally the camels. Goats and sheep get access to the water anytime. But with the drought, everybody rushes to any point of water.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA14.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Aerial view of the slaughter of a bull during the Gada system ceremony in Borana tribe, Oromia, Yabelo, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA17.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: El sod crater where the Borana go to collect salt for centuries. On the left 10 years ago, on the right, in 2017. The greenery has totally disapeared.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA24.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Borana clans own their own wells that run for centuries. They are vital in these Borana arid areas.<br />
The wells are called the singing wells: the young, strong men carry the water from the well to the top where people and animals wait for their turn. The songs are usually about the cattle. Singing is a way to keep a good tempo in the chain.<br />
Conflicts over water are forbidden. If someone starts a fight, he will have to sacrifice one cow or risk being banned from the wells which is virtually a death penalty in the community.<br />
But due to the drought, those wells are mostly dry, and people must find other solutions...<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA02.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: This Borana shepherd says he lost 100 cows over the last weeks. He does not want to mention how many are still alive: in the Borana tradition, a man never talks about how many cows he owns, as it may give ideas to robbers... Later he confesses he only has 50 cows left.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA28.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows:  In the Borana cultire, men do not take care of the water! Even in drought times, it is the work of the women, helped by the children.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA32.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows:  Kura Jarso is blessing the bull to be sacrificed as celebration of his new power. Even though many Borana are christians and muslims, many still believe in Wakefata, their traditional God, who can bring back the rain.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA37.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows:The bull is sacrificed in big chaos as everybody wants to see or take a picture with their mobile phones. Only the men can attend this ritual, women stay away.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA40.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows:The last two Leader celebrations happened during very severe drought. People start to wonder if a curse might have struck the tribe...<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA43.jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
<br />
Photo Shows:  Women do not take part in the salt extraction. few of them go down in the carter to collect wood or branches for the cattle. As men are most the time naked , and some a re muslims, they also prefer to stay away, Usually women are dedicated to the hardest tasks in the Borana Culture, This is an exception<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
<br />
Photo Shows:  Volcano crater where Borana tribe men dive to collect salt, Oromia, El Sod, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
<br />
Photo Shows: Borana tribe man with protection in his nose ready to dive in the volcano crater to collect salt, Oromia, El Sod, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
<br />
Photo Shows: Volcano crater where Borana tribe men dive to collect salt, Oromia, El Sod, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
<br />
Photo Shows: Borana tribe man covered with salt after diving in the volcano crater to collect salt, Oromia, El Sod, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
<br />
Photo Shows: Salt From Lake Assal In Djibouti, Tepi Village, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: El sod crater where the Borana go to collect salt for centuries. On the left 10 years ago, on the right, in 2017. The greenery has totally disapeared.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA01.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: The shepherds gather their cows in special areas provided by the government where they can be fed with grass.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA03.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows:  As everybody is suffering from the drought, killing a bull is a huge symbol.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA05.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows:  Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA09.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Aerial view of cows suffering from the drought grouped in fences to be fed by the governement, Oromia, Yabelo, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA13.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Aerial view of a Borana village, Oromia, Yabelo, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA11.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Aerial view of cows suffering from the drought grouped in fences to be fed by the governement, Oromia, Yabelo, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA18.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows:There is no hope, I am not educated, there is no more grass, my cows are dying, I cannot sell them because they are too weak to reach the market. Now I am waiting for death ...» Says an old man.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA19.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows:  As the climate is changing, Borana have also been increasingly dependent from NGO’s help, which is culturally repugnant to these proud people. They are forced to sell their animals before they die. This is not in accordance with their tradition. It is easier to find Coke than water in some areas.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA21.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: NGO and the governemet distribute some food aid, but as Borana live in the bush, many do not have access to this aid, and cannot be contacted with the lack of telecom networK..<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA22.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Soldiers with kalashnikovs during the Gada system ceremony, Oromia, Yabelo, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA23.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Every Sunday, Borana people go to church to make prayers for rain. Few men are joining, as they are all busy taking care of the remaining cow.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA25.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: ISkiny cow suffering from the drought on the road, Oromia, Yabelo, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA26.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Cows suffering from the drought grouped in fences to be fed by the governement, Oromia, Yabelo, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA27.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: For 6 years, I have been drinking the same water as my animals' ». On the hill stands the electric pilar coming from Gibbe dam. Many Borana complain: Ethiopia sells electricity to Kenya but never provides water to people and animals. It is part of the Oromo anger.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA31.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows:Some cows are too weak to get up in the morning, so the herder must inspect all the cattle one by one to be sure they are in good shape.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA34.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: In Borana culture, mutual aid is the key: those whose cattle are hit by drought will be supported and get free cows from those whose cattle are saved. But nowadays all the areas are under drought: no one can help anybody.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA33.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: The Borana culture is still very strong, no tourists dare to visit this area. Women wear their traditional clothes. Men are proud to show the virgin girls who are easily recognizable: they have a tonsure at the top of the head, from the age of 5 until they get married.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA36.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows:The bull is sacrificed in big chaos as everybody wants to see or take a picture with their mobile phones. Only the men can attend this ritual, women stay away.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA38.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Here is Kura Jarso, the 71st Borana Oromo Abba gadaa and his councilors just elected in april 2017. He is educated and was studying statistics at Hawassa University. He is not supposed to be the chief: his brother should be the promised man, however he died in an accident and Kura has to play his brother's role in order to respect the tradition.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA41.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: El sod crater where the Borana go to collect salt for centuries. On the left 10 years ago, on the right, in 2017. The greenery has totally disapeared.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA44.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows:Portrait of a Borana tribe elder with a red beard during the Gada system ceremony, Oromia, Yabelo, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA42.jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
<br />
Photo Shows:   Some men say they can make 3 trips in a single day. It takes them 30 mn to go down (at least double for a tourist), one hour to collect the salt, then 1 hour to clim up back to the village with loaded donkeys. Some men do work from sunrise to sunset.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
<br />
Photo Shows;  Once the donkeys are loaded with 2x25kg of salt in each bag, they have to climb up to the village on the edge of the volcano. Under the sun, the rocks are turning into an oven, making the way back a hell. Some miners even collapse after such efforts.<br />
There is no room for industrialisation: Boranas are against it, willing to carry on this tradition as source of - small- revenues, and part of their culture.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
<br />
Photo Shows;  Only Borana people get access to the salt in the volcano. A conflict would raise whenever another tribe try to enter the area.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
<br />
Photo Shows:  Three kind of salt can be found in the lake: the black salt for animals, the white salt for the people, and crystals which can be sold at a high price.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
<br />
Photo Shows:  Volcano crater where Borana tribe men dive to collect salt, Oromia, El Sod, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
<br />
Photo Shows:  Volcano crater where Borana tribe men dive to collect salt, Oromia, El Sod, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
<br />
Photo Shows: Volcano crater where Borana tribe men dive to collect salt, Oromia, El Sod, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
<br />
Photo Shows: Borana tribe man with protection in his nose ready to dive in the volcano crater to collect salt, Oromia, El Sod, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
<br />
Photo Shows: Volcano crater where Borana tribe men dive to collect salt, Oromia, El Sod, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
<br />
Photo Shows: Borana tribe man feet wounded after diving in the volcano crater to collect salt, Oromia, El Sod, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
<br />
Photo Shows: Borana tribe man arms wounded after diving in the volcano crater to collect salt, Oromia, El Sod, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
<br />
Photo Shows: Volcano crater where Borana tribe men dive to collect salt, Oromia, El Sod, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Aerial view of a Borana village, Oromia, Yabelo, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA12.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Aerial view of cows suffering from the drought grouped in fences to be fed by the governement, Oromia, Yabelo, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA16.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows:  The Borana cook the coffee beans in butter. They pray before drinking it, asking the rain to come. These people depend on milk for survival.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA20.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Cows suffering from the drought grouped in fences to be fed by the governement, Oromia, Yabelo, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA30.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows:Cows suffering from the drought grouped in fences to be fed by the governement, Oromia, Yabelo, Ethiopia<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA29.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows:  Married men carry the "ororo" sticks.They never leave them! Those men are called "abba worra" (the head of the family).<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA35.jpg
  • DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA<br />
<br />
The Borana tribe, part of Oromo people who make up around a third of the Ethiopian population, is suffering from drought for months. Cows are dying, meanwhile many people are complaining the lack of support from the government, thus generating massive uprisings, repressions and killing hundreds of protesters.<br />
 Borana live in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with a population of 500,000. They are semi pastoralists. Their life depends on their livestock, which are their only wealth. Their cattle are used in sacrifices and also as dowry or to pay legal fines. For one year, there has been no rain and more than 15,000 cows have died in Ethiopia.<br />
<br />
Photo shows:The bull is sacrificed in big chaos as everybody wants to see or take a picture with their mobile phones. Only the men can attend this ritual, women stay away.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_DROUGHT_IN_ETHIOPIA39.jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
<br />
Photo Shows:  Early morning, the first divers enter the lake with long wooden sticks.<br />
They use the sticks to break the bottom of the lake; then they dive along them in the shallow water, collect the black mud full of salt, and bring it back on the bank.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • EL SOD: THE SALT OF LIFE<br />
 <br />
 El Sod, the House Of Salt, is a village located 90 km from Yabelo, the capital of Borana people in South Ethiopia. It stands on the edge of an extinct volcano wide of 1,8 km diameter, with a salted lake in the crater. For centuries, men dive into the lake to collect the salt and sell it across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya<br />
<br />
 It takes 1 hour on a narrow path to go down the 2,5 km from the village to the lake, 340 meters lower. The best view on the crater can be spotted from the recently built mosque.<br />
Every miner works as a free lance, independent from any company or boss. Most of the time divers are naked, the salted water being so agressive that it destroys everything, including clothes and shoes.<br />
 Miners try to protect their nose and ears with plugs made of soil wrapped in plastic bags. There’s no protection for the eyes: many suffer heavily from blindness.<br />
 When the weather is good after rains (Borana wait for it for months since the area suffers from drought) more than 200 men dive into the lake. More and more children are joining for the families to get some extra revenue. The parents are aware of the dangers but they don’t have any choice if they want to survive.<br />
©Eric lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Stunning_Images_The_Salt_Of_Li...jpg
  • Attacks Victims Paris 11/13/2015<br />
Lola Salines<br />
©Exclusivepix Media
    Exclusivepix_Victims_In_Paris9.jpg
  • Where Cargo Ships Go To Die <br />
<br />
Muynak is a city in northern Karakalpakstan in western Uzbekistan. Home to only a few thousand residents at most, Muynak's population has been declining precipitously since the 1980s due to the recession of the Aral Sea.<br />
<br />
Once a bustling fishing community, Muynak is now a shadow of its former self, dozens of miles from the rapidly receding shoreline of the Aral Sea. Fishing had always been part of the economy of the region, and Muynak became a center of industrial fishing and canning. A regional agricultural monoculture dominated by cotton production which diverts water from tributary rivers of the sea into irrigation, and severe pollution caused by agricultural chemical runoff, are causing the sea to evaporate and the water that remains is highly saline and very toxic, causing the ecological disaster which is inevitably destroying the sea and killing the residents of the towns in its vicinity, including Muynak.<br />
<br />
Muynak is now home to a incongruous armada of rusting hulks that once made up the proud fishing fleet during the Soviet era. Poisonous dust storms kicked up by strong winds across the dried and polluted seabed give rise to a multitude of chronic and acute illnesses among the few residents, weather unmoderated by the sea now buffets the town with hotter-than-normal summers and colder-than-normal winters.<br />
<br />
The Aral Sea was once the world's fourth-largest saline body of water, it has been steadily shrinking since the 1960s, after the rivers that fed it were diverted by Soviet Union irrigation projects. By 2004, the sea had shrunk to 25% of its original surface area, and a nearly fivefold increase in salinity had killed most of its natural flora and fauna. By 2007 it had declined to 10% of its original size, splitting into three separate lakes, two of which are too salty to support fish. The once prosperous fishing industry has been virtually destroyed, and former fishing towns along the original shores have become ship graveyards.
    Exclusivepix_Where_Cargo_Ships_Go_To..jpeg
  • Where Cargo Ships Go To Die <br />
<br />
Muynak is a city in northern Karakalpakstan in western Uzbekistan. Home to only a few thousand residents at most, Muynak's population has been declining precipitously since the 1980s due to the recession of the Aral Sea.<br />
<br />
Once a bustling fishing community, Muynak is now a shadow of its former self, dozens of miles from the rapidly receding shoreline of the Aral Sea. Fishing had always been part of the economy of the region, and Muynak became a center of industrial fishing and canning. A regional agricultural monoculture dominated by cotton production which diverts water from tributary rivers of the sea into irrigation, and severe pollution caused by agricultural chemical runoff, are causing the sea to evaporate and the water that remains is highly saline and very toxic, causing the ecological disaster which is inevitably destroying the sea and killing the residents of the towns in its vicinity, including Muynak.<br />
<br />
Muynak is now home to a incongruous armada of rusting hulks that once made up the proud fishing fleet during the Soviet era. Poisonous dust storms kicked up by strong winds across the dried and polluted seabed give rise to a multitude of chronic and acute illnesses among the few residents, weather unmoderated by the sea now buffets the town with hotter-than-normal summers and colder-than-normal winters.<br />
<br />
The Aral Sea was once the world's fourth-largest saline body of water, it has been steadily shrinking since the 1960s, after the rivers that fed it were diverted by Soviet Union irrigation projects. By 2004, the sea had shrunk to 25% of its original surface area, and a nearly fivefold increase in salinity had killed most of its natural flora and fauna. By 2007 it had declined to 10% of its original size, splitting into three separate lakes, two of which are too salty to support fish. The once prosperous fishing industry has been virtually destroyed, and former fishing towns along the original shores have become ship graveyards.
    Exclusivepix_Where_Cargo_Ships_Go_To...jpg
  • Where Cargo Ships Go To Die<br />
<br />
Muynak is a city in northern Karakalpakstan in western Uzbekistan. Home to only a few thousand residents at most, Muynak's population has been declining precipitously since the 1980s due to the recession of the Aral Sea.<br />
<br />
Once a bustling fishing community, Muynak is now a shadow of its former self, dozens of miles from the rapidly receding shoreline of the Aral Sea. Fishing had always been part of the economy of the region, and Muynak became a center of industrial fishing and canning. A regional agricultural monoculture dominated by cotton production which diverts water from tributary rivers of the sea into irrigation, and severe pollution caused by agricultural chemical runoff, are causing the sea to evaporate and the water that remains is highly saline and very toxic, causing the ecological disaster which is inevitably destroying the sea and killing the residents of the towns in its vicinity, including Muynak.<br />
<br />
Muynak is now home to a incongruous armada of rusting hulks that once made up the proud fishing fleet during the Soviet era. Poisonous dust storms kicked up by strong winds across the dried and polluted seabed give rise to a multitude of chronic and acute illnesses among the few residents, weather unmoderated by the sea now buffets the town with hotter-than-normal summers and colder-than-normal winters.<br />
<br />
The Aral Sea was once the world's fourth-largest saline body of water, it has been steadily shrinking since the 1960s, after the rivers that fed it were diverted by Soviet Union irrigation projects. By 2004, the sea had shrunk to 25% of its original surface area, and a nearly fivefold increase in salinity had killed most of its natural flora and fauna. By 2007 it had declined to 10% of its original size, splitting into three separate lakes, two of which are too salty to support fish. The once prosperous fishing industry has been virtually destroyed, and former fishing towns along the original shores have become ship graveyards.
    Exclusivepix_Where_Cargo_Ships_Go_To...jpg
  • Where Cargo Ships Go To Die <br />
<br />
Muynak is a city in northern Karakalpakstan in western Uzbekistan. Home to only a few thousand residents at most, Muynak's population has been declining precipitously since the 1980s due to the recession of the Aral Sea.<br />
<br />
Once a bustling fishing community, Muynak is now a shadow of its former self, dozens of miles from the rapidly receding shoreline of the Aral Sea. Fishing had always been part of the economy of the region, and Muynak became a center of industrial fishing and canning. A regional agricultural monoculture dominated by cotton production which diverts water from tributary rivers of the sea into irrigation, and severe pollution caused by agricultural chemical runoff, are causing the sea to evaporate and the water that remains is highly saline and very toxic, causing the ecological disaster which is inevitably destroying the sea and killing the residents of the towns in its vicinity, including Muynak.<br />
<br />
Muynak is now home to a incongruous armada of rusting hulks that once made up the proud fishing fleet during the Soviet era. Poisonous dust storms kicked up by strong winds across the dried and polluted seabed give rise to a multitude of chronic and acute illnesses among the few residents, weather unmoderated by the sea now buffets the town with hotter-than-normal summers and colder-than-normal winters.<br />
<br />
The Aral Sea was once the world's fourth-largest saline body of water, it has been steadily shrinking since the 1960s, after the rivers that fed it were diverted by Soviet Union irrigation projects. By 2004, the sea had shrunk to 25% of its original surface area, and a nearly fivefold increase in salinity had killed most of its natural flora and fauna. By 2007 it had declined to 10% of its original size, splitting into three separate lakes, two of which are too salty to support fish. The once prosperous fishing industry has been virtually destroyed, and former fishing towns along the original shores have become ship graveyards.
    Exclusivepix_Where_Cargo_Ships_Go_To...jpg
  • Where Cargo Ships Go To Die <br />
<br />
Muynak is a city in northern Karakalpakstan in western Uzbekistan. Home to only a few thousand residents at most, Muynak's population has been declining precipitously since the 1980s due to the recession of the Aral Sea.<br />
<br />
Once a bustling fishing community, Muynak is now a shadow of its former self, dozens of miles from the rapidly receding shoreline of the Aral Sea. Fishing had always been part of the economy of the region, and Muynak became a center of industrial fishing and canning. A regional agricultural monoculture dominated by cotton production which diverts water from tributary rivers of the sea into irrigation, and severe pollution caused by agricultural chemical runoff, are causing the sea to evaporate and the water that remains is highly saline and very toxic, causing the ecological disaster which is inevitably destroying the sea and killing the residents of the towns in its vicinity, including Muynak.<br />
<br />
Muynak is now home to a incongruous armada of rusting hulks that once made up the proud fishing fleet during the Soviet era. Poisonous dust storms kicked up by strong winds across the dried and polluted seabed give rise to a multitude of chronic and acute illnesses among the few residents, weather unmoderated by the sea now buffets the town with hotter-than-normal summers and colder-than-normal winters.<br />
<br />
The Aral Sea was once the world's fourth-largest saline body of water, it has been steadily shrinking since the 1960s, after the rivers that fed it were diverted by Soviet Union irrigation projects. By 2004, the sea had shrunk to 25% of its original surface area, and a nearly fivefold increase in salinity had killed most of its natural flora and fauna. By 2007 it had declined to 10% of its original size, splitting into three separate lakes, two of which are too salty to support fish. The once prosperous fishing industry has been virtually destroyed, and former fishing towns along the original shores have become ship graveyards.
    Exclusivepix_Where_Cargo_Ships_Go_To...jpg
  • Where Cargo Ships Go To Die <br />
<br />
Muynak is a city in northern Karakalpakstan in western Uzbekistan. Home to only a few thousand residents at most, Muynak's population has been declining precipitously since the 1980s due to the recession of the Aral Sea.<br />
<br />
Once a bustling fishing community, Muynak is now a shadow of its former self, dozens of miles from the rapidly receding shoreline of the Aral Sea. Fishing had always been part of the economy of the region, and Muynak became a center of industrial fishing and canning. A regional agricultural monoculture dominated by cotton production which diverts water from tributary rivers of the sea into irrigation, and severe pollution caused by agricultural chemical runoff, are causing the sea to evaporate and the water that remains is highly saline and very toxic, causing the ecological disaster which is inevitably destroying the sea and killing the residents of the towns in its vicinity, including Muynak.<br />
<br />
Muynak is now home to a incongruous armada of rusting hulks that once made up the proud fishing fleet during the Soviet era. Poisonous dust storms kicked up by strong winds across the dried and polluted seabed give rise to a multitude of chronic and acute illnesses among the few residents, weather unmoderated by the sea now buffets the town with hotter-than-normal summers and colder-than-normal winters.<br />
<br />
The Aral Sea was once the world's fourth-largest saline body of water, it has been steadily shrinking since the 1960s, after the rivers that fed it were diverted by Soviet Union irrigation projects. By 2004, the sea had shrunk to 25% of its original surface area, and a nearly fivefold increase in salinity had killed most of its natural flora and fauna. By 2007 it had declined to 10% of its original size, splitting into three separate lakes, two of which are too salty to support fish. The once prosperous fishing industry has been virtually destroyed, and former fishing towns along the original shores have become ship graveyards.
    Exclusivepix_Where_Cargo_Ships_Go_To...jpg
  • Where Cargo Ships Go To Die <br />
<br />
Muynak is a city in northern Karakalpakstan in western Uzbekistan. Home to only a few thousand residents at most, Muynak's population has been declining precipitously since the 1980s due to the recession of the Aral Sea.<br />
<br />
Once a bustling fishing community, Muynak is now a shadow of its former self, dozens of miles from the rapidly receding shoreline of the Aral Sea. Fishing had always been part of the economy of the region, and Muynak became a center of industrial fishing and canning. A regional agricultural monoculture dominated by cotton production which diverts water from tributary rivers of the sea into irrigation, and severe pollution caused by agricultural chemical runoff, are causing the sea to evaporate and the water that remains is highly saline and very toxic, causing the ecological disaster which is inevitably destroying the sea and killing the residents of the towns in its vicinity, including Muynak.<br />
<br />
Muynak is now home to a incongruous armada of rusting hulks that once made up the proud fishing fleet during the Soviet era. Poisonous dust storms kicked up by strong winds across the dried and polluted seabed give rise to a multitude of chronic and acute illnesses among the few residents, weather unmoderated by the sea now buffets the town with hotter-than-normal summers and colder-than-normal winters.<br />
<br />
The Aral Sea was once the world's fourth-largest saline body of water, it has been steadily shrinking since the 1960s, after the rivers that fed it were diverted by Soviet Union irrigation projects. By 2004, the sea had shrunk to 25% of its original surface area, and a nearly fivefold increase in salinity had killed most of its natural flora and fauna. By 2007 it had declined to 10% of its original size, splitting into three separate lakes, two of which are too salty to support fish. The once prosperous fishing industry has been virtually destroyed, and former fishing towns along the original shores have become ship graveyards.
    Exclusivepix_Where_Cargo_Ships_Go_To...jpg
  • Where Cargo Ships Go To Die <br />
<br />
Muynak is a city in northern Karakalpakstan in western Uzbekistan. Home to only a few thousand residents at most, Muynak's population has been declining precipitously since the 1980s due to the recession of the Aral Sea.<br />
<br />
Once a bustling fishing community, Muynak is now a shadow of its former self, dozens of miles from the rapidly receding shoreline of the Aral Sea. Fishing had always been part of the economy of the region, and Muynak became a center of industrial fishing and canning. A regional agricultural monoculture dominated by cotton production which diverts water from tributary rivers of the sea into irrigation, and severe pollution caused by agricultural chemical runoff, are causing the sea to evaporate and the water that remains is highly saline and very toxic, causing the ecological disaster which is inevitably destroying the sea and killing the residents of the towns in its vicinity, including Muynak.<br />
<br />
Muynak is now home to a incongruous armada of rusting hulks that once made up the proud fishing fleet during the Soviet era. Poisonous dust storms kicked up by strong winds across the dried and polluted seabed give rise to a multitude of chronic and acute illnesses among the few residents, weather unmoderated by the sea now buffets the town with hotter-than-normal summers and colder-than-normal winters.<br />
<br />
The Aral Sea was once the world's fourth-largest saline body of water, it has been steadily shrinking since the 1960s, after the rivers that fed it were diverted by Soviet Union irrigation projects. By 2004, the sea had shrunk to 25% of its original surface area, and a nearly fivefold increase in salinity had killed most of its natural flora and fauna. By 2007 it had declined to 10% of its original size, splitting into three separate lakes, two of which are too salty to support fish. The once prosperous fishing industry has been virtually destroyed, and former fishing towns along the original shores have become ship graveyards.
    Exclusivepix_Where_Cargo_Ships_Go_To...jpg
  • Where Cargo Ships Go To Die <br />
<br />
Muynak is a city in northern Karakalpakstan in western Uzbekistan. Home to only a few thousand residents at most, Muynak's population has been declining precipitously since the 1980s due to the recession of the Aral Sea.<br />
<br />
Once a bustling fishing community, Muynak is now a shadow of its former self, dozens of miles from the rapidly receding shoreline of the Aral Sea. Fishing had always been part of the economy of the region, and Muynak became a center of industrial fishing and canning. A regional agricultural monoculture dominated by cotton production which diverts water from tributary rivers of the sea into irrigation, and severe pollution caused by agricultural chemical runoff, are causing the sea to evaporate and the water that remains is highly saline and very toxic, causing the ecological disaster which is inevitably destroying the sea and killing the residents of the towns in its vicinity, including Muynak.<br />
<br />
Muynak is now home to a incongruous armada of rusting hulks that once made up the proud fishing fleet during the Soviet era. Poisonous dust storms kicked up by strong winds across the dried and polluted seabed give rise to a multitude of chronic and acute illnesses among the few residents, weather unmoderated by the sea now buffets the town with hotter-than-normal summers and colder-than-normal winters.<br />
<br />
The Aral Sea was once the world's fourth-largest saline body of water, it has been steadily shrinking since the 1960s, after the rivers that fed it were diverted by Soviet Union irrigation projects. By 2004, the sea had shrunk to 25% of its original surface area, and a nearly fivefold increase in salinity had killed most of its natural flora and fauna. By 2007 it had declined to 10% of its original size, splitting into three separate lakes, two of which are too salty to support fish. The once prosperous fishing industry has been virtually destroyed, and former fishing towns along the original shores have become ship graveyards.
    Exclusivepix_Where_Cargo_Ships_Go_To...jpg
  • Where Cargo Ships Go To Die <br />
<br />
<br />
Muynak is a city in northern Karakalpakstan in western Uzbekistan. Home to only a few thousand residents at most, Muynak's population has been declining precipitously since the 1980s due to the recession of the Aral Sea.<br />
<br />
Once a bustling fishing community, Muynak is now a shadow of its former self, dozens of miles from the rapidly receding shoreline of the Aral Sea. Fishing had always been part of the economy of the region, and Muynak became a center of industrial fishing and canning. A regional agricultural monoculture dominated by cotton production which diverts water from tributary rivers of the sea into irrigation, and severe pollution caused by agricultural chemical runoff, are causing the sea to evaporate and the water that remains is highly saline and very toxic, causing the ecological disaster which is inevitably destroying the sea and killing the residents of the towns in its vicinity, including Muynak.<br />
<br />
Muynak is now home to a incongruous armada of rusting hulks that once made up the proud fishing fleet during the Soviet era. Poisonous dust storms kicked up by strong winds across the dried and polluted seabed give rise to a multitude of chronic and acute illnesses among the few residents, weather unmoderated by the sea now buffets the town with hotter-than-normal summers and colder-than-normal winters.<br />
<br />
The Aral Sea was once the world's fourth-largest saline body of water, it has been steadily shrinking since the 1960s, after the rivers that fed it were diverted by Soviet Union irrigation projects. By 2004, the sea had shrunk to 25% of its original surface area, and a nearly fivefold increase in salinity had killed most of its natural flora and fauna. By 2007 it had declined to 10% of its original size, splitting into three separate lakes, two of which are too salty to support fish. The once prosperous fishing industry has been virtually destroyed, and former fishing towns along the original shores have become ship graveyards
    Exclusivepix_Where_Cargo_Ships_Go_To..jpeg
  • Osborne Reef: A Failed Artificial Reef Of Discarded Tires<br />
<br />
About 7,000 feet offshore of Sunrise Boulevard off the coast of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, lies an underwater wasteland of rotting tires. This is Osborne Reef, an underwater cemetery of 2 million tires that were placed there in the 1970s as a part of a failed ecological operation to create an artificial reef. Over the years, many of the tires were dislodged by tropical storms and hurricanes and caused damage to nearby existing coral reefs. Forty years later, the tires are still there causing more harm than good in the coastal Florida waters.<br />
<br />
Osborn Reef was the brainchild of a non-profit group called Broward Artificial Reef, or BARINC, composed of a group of fishermen, back in the spring of 1972. The idea was to create a reef using old tires that were piling up around the county's landfills and rural areas. This was before recycling caught on. They were convinced that corals would attach and grow on the tires and provide additional habitat for marine life. It was a well intentioned but not a particularly well thought out plan.<br />
With the support of US Army Corps of Engineers and more than 100 privately owned vessels, placement of the tires began over 36 acres of the ocean floor, 7,000 feet offshore in 65 feet of water. The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company provided equipment for the auspicious undertaking, even supporting the project so far as to drop a gold-painted tire to christen the site. The tires were bundled together with steel clips and nylon rope and lowered onto the sea floor. However, the saline waters of the ocean quickly corroded these materials causing the tires to separate, and carried them away by ocean currents and waves. The tires, with their newfound mobility, not only destroyed any marine life that had thus far grown on the tires, it effectively prevented the growth of any new organisms. Besides, the loose tires scoured the ocean floor and damaged existing reefs in the area. Thousands of tir
    ExPix_Reef_Of_Discarded_Tires14.jpg
  • Osborne Reef: A Failed Artificial Reef Of Discarded Tires<br />
<br />
About 7,000 feet offshore of Sunrise Boulevard off the coast of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, lies an underwater wasteland of rotting tires. This is Osborne Reef, an underwater cemetery of 2 million tires that were placed there in the 1970s as a part of a failed ecological operation to create an artificial reef. Over the years, many of the tires were dislodged by tropical storms and hurricanes and caused damage to nearby existing coral reefs. Forty years later, the tires are still there causing more harm than good in the coastal Florida waters.<br />
<br />
Osborn Reef was the brainchild of a non-profit group called Broward Artificial Reef, or BARINC, composed of a group of fishermen, back in the spring of 1972. The idea was to create a reef using old tires that were piling up around the county's landfills and rural areas. This was before recycling caught on. They were convinced that corals would attach and grow on the tires and provide additional habitat for marine life. It was a well intentioned but not a particularly well thought out plan.<br />
With the support of US Army Corps of Engineers and more than 100 privately owned vessels, placement of the tires began over 36 acres of the ocean floor, 7,000 feet offshore in 65 feet of water. The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company provided equipment for the auspicious undertaking, even supporting the project so far as to drop a gold-painted tire to christen the site. The tires were bundled together with steel clips and nylon rope and lowered onto the sea floor. However, the saline waters of the ocean quickly corroded these materials causing the tires to separate, and carried them away by ocean currents and waves. The tires, with their newfound mobility, not only destroyed any marine life that had thus far grown on the tires, it effectively prevented the growth of any new organisms. Besides, the loose tires scoured the ocean floor and damaged existing reefs in the area. Thousands of tir
    ExPix_Reef_Of_Discarded_Tires05.jpg
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