In the heart of the French Riviera, the respect for the Mediterranean Sea comes to life in visual form. On the 27th October 2024, a unique travelling exhibition was unveiled in the presence of Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice, and Laurence Navalesi, Sub-delegate to Cross-border Relations, Private Education and Cults, on the Promenade des Anglais, the most iconic French boulevard which runs along the Baie des Anges for seven kilometers. The open-air free-of-charge showroom "Expédition Pelagos" (Pelagos Expedition) by Greg Lecoeur, skilled wildlife photographer from Nice, is sponsored by We are Méditerranée, themed association made of divers, scientists, oceanographers and scientists. Until the end of October, everyone can enjoy the wonders of the underwater world approaching the Palais de la Méditerranée.
A parade of fifty giant pictures turns spotlight on the emblematic fauna of the Grand Bleu, the Mediterrranean Marine Ecosystem depicted within a scientific expedition in the Pelagos Sanctuary, a cross-border marine potected area for the safeguarding of marine mammals which has been involving the Principality of Monaco, France and Italy for twenty-five years. This journey of nature exploration was launched previously on the 15th June 2024 by the Mayor of Nice at the Port of Nice.
By the will of the photographer, who attended the inauguration ceremony, the core idea is to impact passerbys' sensitivity towards the Mediterranean Sea biodiversity.
This photo expo aims at raising awareness, educate and interact with the large audience about the pivotal role played by the Mediterranean variety of species, increasingly menaced by climate change and anthropogenic activities. The beauty of the Mediterranean Sea, one of the top tourist destinations worldwide, depends on nature conservation and restoration of degraded environments. Protected areas like the Pelagos Sanctuary represents a key step to keep the Mediterranean ecosystem healthy.
Lecoeur's photo storytellling showcases all species that need to be protected. A straightforward message in conjunction with the Nice Climate Summit, a priviledged stage to debate on the main issues of Ocean Literacy and Blue Economy.
Under the umbrella of Ville de Nice and Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur, the photographer immortalised the sea floor coverring 87,00km2 of protected space. Sharks, turtles, whales, rays, hippocami and various cetaceans paraded in front of the cameras a few meters under the sea. They represent just a sample of the whole population of Mediterranean marine creatures corresponding to more than 17% of the global ocean biodiversity.
Such a Sea Beauty invites us to put into practice sustainable daily actions to reduce the production of polluting waste and promote energy efficiency based on renewable sources. ***
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By Maurice Abbati
Journalist; Editor; Communication, Media and Public Relations Specialist
Lecturer and Author in English language of Technical Articles and the Manual: "Communicating the Environment to Save the Planet, a Journey into Eco-Communication" by Springer International Publishing.
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