PELAGOS EXPEDITION

An invitation to reconnect with nature

ENHANCING AND PROTECTING THE BIODIVERSITY OF THE PELAGOS SANCTUARY

Through a series of naturalist expeditions in the Mediterranean, together with scientific missions, photographer Greg Lecoeur and his team give us a new vision of the luxuriant biodiversity of the Pelagos sanctuary.

The images and stories of this incredibly rich ecosystem invite us to marvel and allow the improvement of knowledge about the sanctuary. Emotions and science are combined to give people the desire to protect the environment.

THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA

0,8%

of the total surface of oceans

10%

of the planet’s known marine biodiversity

360 millionS

visitors per year

8 to 12 tons

of plastic dumped into it each year

30%

of the world maritime traffic

3/4

of fish species are overexploited

THE PELAGOS SANCTUARY

A marine protected area for the preservation of biodiversity

The Pelagos sanctuary is the largest marine protected area in the Mediterranean (87,500 km2). Resulting from an international agreement between France, Italy and the Principality of Monaco, it was signed in Rome on November 25, 1999.

Its objective is to protect marine mammals and the species that live there against all causes of disturbance from human activities.

There, the different habitats of the Mediterranean are represented: from the shallow coastal depths to the open sea, passing through the abysses and the deep underwater canyons allowing the upwelling of cold waters with planktonic production.

GOALS

— Naturalist

To document the cycle of life through the photographic work of Greg Lecoeur, in order to improve knowledge of the different habitats, fauna and flora, as well as rare or endangered species.

— Scientific

To carry out scientific missions during the expeditions and promote their research and teachings.
To support the scientific community by pooling skills and providing logistical support.

— Journalistic

To investigate and illustrate our relationship with nature, by documenting the impacts of human activities on the environment.
To promote the work of local initiatives and actors, as well as actions for the protection of biodiversity (Protected Marine Areas, regulations, scientific missions, sustainable fishing, etc.).

— Educative

To surprise, raise awareness and share knowledge through visual and educational content, in order to inspire the desire to protect the environment.
To amaze as many people as possible and promote the Mediterranean and the Pelagos sanctuary.