The dying river

Alfredo, Ubaldo and José take care of the beehives near Wenden in the Arizona desert, United States, on March 11, 2022. Due to a significant decrease in the flow of the Colorado River, caused by the absence of rains and the increasing demand for water upstream, these beekeepers are forced to supply water to the bees through special troughs. Heat and drought weaken bees, making them more susceptible to pathogens and parasites, and affect the plants they feed on.

Between 2019 and 2020, bee colonies – vital to crop pollination – decreased by 43.7% in the United States. The jury felt that this understated portrait invites reflection on an environmental issue with global resonance.

Jonas Kakó is a member of Panos Pictures.

Regional winner of the Photo Category Award