Immerse yourself in the ‘Great Migration of Life’ to better understand the state of the oceans – The UNESCO – 1 OCEAN team, led by photographer and explorer Alexis Rosenfeld, embarks on a months-long mission along the wild coast of South Africa. The goal: to tell the story of one of the largest migrations of animals, threatened by climate change and undersea mining projects.
From April until the end of July, UNESCO and 1 OCEAN will lead a month-long expedition off the South African coast.
Every year, an extraordinary animal pulse thrills the east coast of South Africa. When the austral winter arrives, climate-induced ocean currents create a migratory corridor through which thousands of sardines rush. This marks the beginning of a journey over 1,500 kilometres long. From Algoa Bay to the southern coast of Kwazulu Natal, massive shoals several kilometres long form, obscuring the sea. Almost instantaneously, tens of thousands of dolphins, white sharks, seals, Cape gannets, humpacks and Bryde’s whales join the party, creating unprecedented scenes of predation. In terms of biomass, this is the largest animal migration.
The region seems to be attracting interest in fossil energy exploration, posing a significant threat to biodiversity already heavily affected by climate change and coastal development. Between 2000 and 2015, 70% of the Cape penguin population disappeared.
For Alexis Rosenfeld, this expedition also has a stake in transmission and memory: ‘Every natural phenomenon is a page in the history of the world. Today, we must be aware that we may be among the last to witness it with our own eyes. Through our images, our role is to preserve this magnificent living heritage for future generations ” .
Film broadcast scheduled:
The expedition was presented to UNESCO on 12 June as part of the launch of the new ‘State of the Ocean Report‘, which addresses threats to the ocean, in particular the increasing rate of ocean warming and sea level rise over the past 20 and 30 years. years, respectively.
The project will be aired on the Franco-German channel Arte as a 52-minute documentary, directed by John Jackson and Thomas Labourasse and written by Thierry Piantanida.
“The Great Migration of Life” will be broadcast during the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), scheduled for June 2025 in Nice. The project will be presented through an XXL exhibition together with a 360° immersive experience.
A premiere and a university programme for young people will be held at UNESCO during the Year of the Ocean.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
1 OCEAN
1 OCEAN is an exploration project led by photographer and explorer Alexis Rosenfeld in collaboration with UNESCO. 1 OCEAN aims to explore and document the ocean depths, supporting scientific research missions to better understand and protect the Ocean, an exceptional common good.
UNESCO
Aware of the challenges associated with ocean preservation, the United Nations has declared the Decade of Oceans (2021-2030). This initiative aims to mobilise the scientific community, politicians, businesses and civil society in the ocean area. For 10 years, UNESCO has supported Alexis Rosenfeld and the 1 OCEAN project in their exploration missions.
La Caz’a productions
La Caz’a productions is a company founded in 2017 by John Jackson, Thomas Labourasse and Raphaël Labourasse. Specialising in the production of nature documentaries and particularly focused on the world of the oceans, La Caz’a productions is committed to spreading knowledge and ensuring that its documentaries help as many people as possible discover the ocean for better protection. La Caz’a Productions also serves as a production company dedicated to science.
This project is made possible thanks to the support of 1 OCEAN – UNESCO – ART – BROTHIER LABORATORY – PAUL RICARD OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTE – SONY – FILM RICCIOLA – IRIS FOUNDATION
Alezis Rosenfeld
Professional photographer Alexis Rosenfeld discovered scuba diving at the age of 8, a discipline to which he has dedicated a true passion ever since. Always on the lookout for new adventures and stories to tell, he says his universe lies “below sea level”. From Commander Cousteau’s last expedition to Madagascar to the discovery of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s plane, his career is marked by significant events. His work has been published by major media in France and around the world.
Immerse yourself in the ‘Great Migration of Life’ to better understand the state of the oceans
