Series description
Tunisia stands as a fragile microcosm, where desert sands encroach on fertile lands and the sea’s rising tides reshape coastlines. Shaped by rhythms of erosion and renewal, survival here depends on a delicate equilibrium. Human connection to the land runs deep, rooted in traditions passed through generations with care and continuity. This project examines the interplay between shifting landscapes, enduring traditions and human resilience. It explores the unseen rhythms that tie us to the forces shaping our world, asking whether solutions lie in mastering nature or returning to harmony with it. Viewing the climate crisis as a continuous transformation, the series reflects on vulnerability and survival, and how resilience may emerge from rediscovering our connections to the natural world.
Biography
Skander Khlif, a documentary photographer born in Tunis in 1983, manifests a profound interest in humanity and its memory, exploring these themes by drawing from his own history marked by cultural diversity. Today Skander is based in between Tunis and Munich,
Sabria
Mohammed, one of the few remaining inhabitants, poses for a portrait in Sabria, Tunisia, on the edge of the Sahara Desert. As sand encroachment makes agriculture and daily life increasingly difficult, his presence reflects the resilience of those who continue to call this fragile landscape home.
Sabria, Tunisia.
© Skander Khlif, Tunisia, Shortlist, Professional competition, Environment, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Tamaghza
This mountain oasis, once thriving, now faces challenges as water scarcity makes life increasingly difficult. The closure of the last hotel, a vital part of the local economy, has left the region even more fragile. The arid yet beautiful landscape stands as a testament to resilience amid harsh conditions.
Tamaghza, southern Tunisia.
© Skander Khlif, Tunisia, Shortlist, Professional competition, Environment, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Fragility
The canyon stands as a reminder of the village’s fragility, having faced devastating weather events in 1968 and 2001. Once a thriving Berber settlement, Mides now survives as a mountain oasis, heavily reliant on water.
Mides, Tunisia.
© Skander Khlif, Tunisia, Shortlist, Professional competition, Environment, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Flux
A metaphorical image of a man walking through the reflection of water amid mud, evoking themes of transience and connection in a fragile landscape.
Marsa, Tunisia.
© Skander Khlif, Tunisia, Shortlist, Professional competition, Environment, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Tide of Tradition
Music is Kerkennah Island’s heartbeat, once sung by fishermen to the sea. This tradition – a symbol of resilience – is fading, reflecting the fragile connection between culture and nature. The loss of this practice signifies a deeper disconnection from the natural world.
Kerkennah Island, Tunisia.
© Skander Khlif, Tunisia, Shortlist, Professional competition, Environment, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
The Struggle of Water
In a country that is heavily dependent on water, dams are vital, and water levels often make the national news. Despite living near them, some communities still face water scarcity, highlighting the paradox of abundance and deprivation in a changing climate.
Barrak Dam, Tunisia.
© Skander Khlif, Tunisia, Shortlist, Professional competition, Environment, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
The Pink of Hope
Over time, the red earth fades to pink, symbolising adaptation in a region where many young men leave for Europe, seeking better opportunities. While life here is beautiful, full of hope and social connection, sustaining this way of life has become increasingly difficult. The warmth of childhood memories contrasts with the harsh realities of survival.
Southern Tunisia.
© Skander Khlif, Tunisia, Shortlist, Professional competition, Environment, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Embrace of the Sea
Bizerte is the northernmost point of Africa. It is defined by its connection to the sea and Europe, where migration is a constant reality. This portrait captures the bond between people and nature, highlighting the importance of working with the sea and embracing its rhythms, even as its tides rise.
Bizerte, Tunisia.
© Skander Khlif, Tunisia, Shortlist, Professional competition, Environment, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards