Nicky Quamina-Woo

A recent documentary photography award has highlighted the work of this emerging photographer

Nicky Quamina-Woo’s As The Water Comes was photographed in northern Senegal. It shines a light on the ineffective response of the Senegalese government to the plight of people suffering from the effects of rising sea levels. Some 25% of the Senegalese coast is at high risk of coastal erosion, and this figure is estimated to increase to 75% by 2080 if sea levels continue to rise.

Mis-steps by the authorities have had major implications for local communities. The village of Doun Baba Dieye had to be abandoned after a channel was dug through a small peninsula that afforded its residents some protection against the surge of the ocean; families had to move inland to tented camps, away from their livelihoods near the sea.

As 63% of Senegal’s population is aware of the negative effects of environmental change, there is public support for government intervention. But promoting appropriate intervention is critical: the mindset of policymakers and the public over the threats posed by coastal erosion and climate change needs to be transformed.

That’s what Nicky hoped to achieve with this project, and the judges of the Marilyn Stafford Award clearly agreed. “These issues are urgent,” says Nicky. “And the clock is ticking.”

Congratulations on your win. The Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award is bestowed for a project in progress, so how long will it take you to complete the project now?

Thank you so much. I’m very honoured to win such a prestigious award. I believe it will take roughly an additional month or so to complete the project.

What else are you intending to photograph, and have you already completed some of it?