Helmut Habersack

Helmut Habersack © Pessenlehner/BOKU

Austria | Born in 1966

“Our Blue Planet is a unique place where life has
developed in fascinating and diverse ways. Since
the beginning of time, water has been a fundamental
prerequisite for life, shaping ecosystems and
sustaining all living beings. The simple phrase
‘Water is life’ says it all.”

Helmut Habersack

Water is Life, and ensuring a safe supply of drinking water is of utmost importance for people around the world. In addition to safeguarding against the impacts of floods and droughts exacerbated by climate change, water is essential for sustainable hydropower, navigation, agriculture, industry and the environment. 

The exhibition explores both the profound significance and the beauty of water. Rivers serve as a symbol to illustrate the immense power but also the vulnerability of water on Earth. Published for the first time, photographs of rivers taken from space reveal the stunning diversity of our lifelines, which provide drinking water, support our economies, and serve as habitats for countless species. Despite the fundamental importance of water, increasing risks threaten this vital resource. It also addresses the challenges posed by climate and landuse change, which contribute to devastating floods and droughts. The melting of glaciers and water scarcity endanger an ever-growing global population. Additional threats, such as water and plastic pollution, the industrialization of rivers, and the overexploitation of groundwater, jeopardize the future of humanity. However, there is hope. 

The exhibition, however, also offers hope, highlighting strategies and initiatives that can help mitigate these risks. UNESCO Water Sciences plays a pivotal role in bringing together scientific knowledge to identify and implement these solutions. This is illustrated by showcasing the UNESCO Water Family, including IHP Flagship Initiatives, Water Institutes and Centres, and Water Chairs, all of which are making invaluable contributions to securing a sustainable water future. 

Helmut Habersack is the current Chair of the Council of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), a position that highlights his leadership in global UNESCO Water Sciences. He holds the UNESCO Chair on ‘Integrated River Research and Management’, coordinating the IHP Flagship ‘World’s Large Rivers Initiative’, and is a Full Professor of Hydraulic Engineering and Modelling at BOKU University in Vienna, Austria. Professor Habersack is also the initiator and director of the BOKU River Lab, a unique facility. 

Together with Lois Lammerhuber, Helmut Habersack developed the concept for this exhibition, brought it to life with contributions from some of the world’s finest photographers, and linked it to the exhibitions by Günter Köck and Christin Gerstorfer to form a unified narrative.

Contributing Photographers:
eoVision – Gerald Mannsberger & Markus Eisl, Lalo de Almeida, Bill Anders, James Balog, Hans-Jürgen Burkard, Mitch Dobrowner, Herbert Frei, Lois Lammerhuber, Alex Masi, Randy Olson, Alain Schroeder, George Steinmetz, Brent Stirton