From the series: The Eyes of Earth

The Eyes of Earth chronicles the profound impact of Lake Urmia's decline on local communities, illustrating the intimate connection between humans and their environment. Growing up alongside the lake, once a thriving symbol of identity and livelihood, Solmaz Daryani witnessed its dramatic transformation due to diversion of freshwater flowing into the lake for agriculture and human use, along with the creation of too many reservoirs, population growth, and agricultural sector expansion to ensure national food security after eight years of the Iran-Iraq war. The resulting environmental catastrophe devastated tourism, agriculture, and the local economy, leaving behind ruins and memories of a vibrant past. However, concerted efforts led by international collaboration aim to revive the lake, though challenges persist. Through her ongoing personal-environmental journey, from 2014, she aims to shed light on the interconnectedness of human life and ecological systems, emphasizing the emotional significance of Lake Urmia's decline. It's a poignant reminder that the lake vanishing is not just an environmental crisis but also a loss of cultural heritage and identity.