CORAL
Since 2019
The photographic report CORAL plunges you into the fragile world of coral reefs, highlighting the harmony between humans and nature: a message both urgent and full of hope.
Dive into the remarkable story of traditional Indonesian fishermen who preserve and restore the fragile ecosystem on which they directly depend for their livelihood, THE CORAL REIF. The latter is a refuge, home and food source for 25% of marine life. They also serve as a coastal protection, food and economic resource for 275 million people worldwide.
This report could be made in the context of the support of the association CORAL GUARDIAN. French association founded in 2012 by Martin, with international scope and which responds to the problem of degradation of coral reefs on which humans depend. In particular through participatory programs of conservation of marine environments without neglecting the daily work of awareness.
The damage caused by dynamite and cyanide fishing techniques is still ongoing. It is crucial to act quickly to raise awareness among coastal communities about the importance of coral reefs and the role they play in safeguarding our ecosystem. CORAL GUARDIAN is working with the fishing village of Seraya Besar who are already educating tourists and locals about this issue.
It is often difficult to raise awareness for a cause that seems far from our daily lives. This exhibition was therefore created to immerse you in the world of damaged reefs, committed fishermen and restored banks…
A message that is both urgent and enthusiastic!
Through its spontaneous scenes, this photo reportage tells first of all a human adventure with people I admire and for whom I have the greatest respect.It takes place in the fishing village of Seraya Besar, a small remote island off the west coast of Flores, near the Komodo National Park in Indonesia.
Central element of the coral triangle, epicenter of marine biodiversity, this region is home to 76% of coral species and 2,228 different fish species from reefs around the world.
Its inhabitants come from the nomadic populations of the seas. Driven out by the Japanese troops, they settled down at the end of the Second World War. This village of 750 inhabitants depends exclusively on fishing, their fishing activity is essential to their survival. However, the fisherman’s job is considered as one of the most dangerous in the world.
I have been living with the inhabitants of this village for over 6 years now. I go there every year for several months in a row, the opportunity for me to pursue the implementation of a marine conservation program for the protection of coral reefs within the framework of the association CORAL GUARDIAN.
After having spent the time necessary to get to know them, I was able to enter into their daily lives and take part in ancestral activities, such as the art of fishing. I feel particularly grateful to them for the immense richness that they have shared with me without expecting anything in return. To have allowed me to enter their lives, to grant me their friendship and to communicate their joy of living represents a human adventure and will remain one of the most precious to me.
