Si je vous disais… is a collaborative photographic project that aims to experiment and investigate ways of involving citizens in the creation of a narrative through the current testimonial reality of the effects of climate change in the Walloon and Brussels regions of Belgium.

PAMPHLETS, WEB DOCS & OTHER ACTIONS

  • Si je vous disais…, Climate Action Network Europe, 2021 (pamphlet action)

MENTIONS & GRANTS

  • 2020-21 | Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, Grant ‘Un future pour la culture’ (BE)

“Beech trees, especially solitary ones, have been going very bad quickly in the past few years. I see it most of the time in Brussels city, which used to be one big forest. The giant beech trees in the city date from before it was such a city and are protected by UNESCO because are the oldest in the world together with a few others in Europe and Caucasus. These trees are very susceptible to sunburn. Sun directly on its trunk can burn them easily, create weak spots, make them ill and dry up whole parts of the tree. This is the biggest problem and the reason why we've been losing so many beech trees in the past few years. It is a process that can go very fast. In a few months, it can dry up parts of the tree that weigh more than a ton. With the summers getting warmer and dryer, a tree's normal reaction is to lash its leaves. Normally this happens exceptionally. Last few years you see it more and more… The leaves are the solar panels that provide energy to the trees. They are always packed with reserves in wood and roots. This energy loss weakens them, becoming more vulnerable to fungi and bacteria's. Deep in the forest, the trees are less affected because there is more shadow and they co-work through the roots to give water to those in need. However, the parks with mature beech trees in Brussels don't work as a forest anymore, as they are surrounded by big buildings instead of trees that could help them. There is a way to try to protect them from losing leaves by wrapping them up with burlap (juten) to avoid direct sunlight. But it's only hoping he'll recover before going even weaker and that's something where only the private-sector has budget for :(“

JP, gardener.