World-renowned National Geographic photographer, filmmaker and Young Global Leader, Mattias Klum from Sweden is scheduled to pay his first visit to Botswana in August.
Part of the reasons for his visit is to inspire the local youth in order to engage in sustainable lifestyles.
Speaking during a recent interview, Klum expressed his excitement about coming to the country.
“I can’t wait to see Botswana for myself. So many of my colleagues have spoken warmly about the country and its amazing richness of biodiversity,” says Klum.
According to a press released by the Swedish Embassy, he is set to entertain the audience in a presentation called ‘Inspiration for a Sustainable World’. The presentation will be held at Maitisong on August 4th in the evening.
“Sustainability is my mission. I think that everyone in Botswana and elsewhere, especially the youth, can benefit from learning more about it”, he says.
The release also discloses that the top rated photographer will share a selection of his award-winning images and memories of his unforgettable experiences during the last 20 years of documenting some of our planets most vulnerable ecosystems.
It further explains that he will also address hot issues on climate change, loss of habitat and biodiversity.
“We all need clean air, clean water and a place to grow food. If we misuse our resources, we are not only losing species and nature but losing our possibility to live all our lives to the fullest. So building a sustainable society is not about sacrifices but about opportunities”, he explains in the release.
Klum is hopeful that his visit to Botswana will be the beginning of a long-term relationship with the country. He aspires to make it permanent by starting an academy for educating youth.
“All of us have a story to tell. For some, it is about hardship, like HIV and AIDS. We believe that the art of photography and filmmaking can be used as a tool to spread awareness but also as a therapeutic aid,” says Klum.
The press release further reveals that discussions have been initiated with stakeholders and decision-makers in Botswana to realise the academy, which already has a Swedish counterpart in the University City of Uppsala, Klum’s and his family’s home-town.
“We hope that my visit and lectures will inspire people and decision-makers to support us and collaborate in different ways when it comes to our idea of starting an academy for storytelling. I hope this can be an important partnership that will inspire young people in Botswana,” he points out.
Klum wants to set an example to young Batswana that you can succeed even if you come from a small country in a faraway place.
“I started to work for an international company quite early. Photography has no borders,” he discloses.
He is also intending to start a project called 2nd Generation, a movement that will teach vulnerable youth about sustainability and their cultural heritage by using photography and journalism,” he explains.
“The important thing is that my assignments and projects must be heartfelt and honest. That’s when I give 100 per cent. I have never considered photography to be a business, it is a passion,” he adds.
Klum’s own career has been close to a fairy-tale. He was the youngest photographer and the first Swede to have his photographic work published on the cover of National Geographic.
“My first cover showed a Silvered Leaf Monkey. It felt fantastic to be published on the cover of this prestigious magazine”.
That cover was the first, but not the last. He proceeded to receive many international awards as well as being chosen as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. He is also a frequent contributor to National Geographic and has published ten photographic books in several different languages. The retrospective book, “Being There” is the most recent one.
“It is very important to stick to my core values and not be flattered by success. It is important to stay with what you believe and tell the true story. I try to make things change – if I can get a story elevated to a cover, the issue will get more attention” he advises.