In a poignant display of the intersection between beauty and devastation, the 2024 Mangrove Photography Awards have unveiled a striking photograph that captures the aftermath of a cyclone in the Sundarbans. The image, taken by Indian photographer Supratim Bhattacharjee, features a young girl in a checked green dress standing against a backdrop of a tumultuous sea littered with debris. This powerful visual narrative not only highlights the immediate impact of extreme weather but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing environmental challenges faced by coastal communities.
The Sundarbans, a vast mangrove forest located at the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, is increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. As extreme weather events become more frequent, the region witnesses the destruction of homes and businesses, leading to the mass displacement of its inhabitants. In this particular instance, the girl’s tea house was obliterated by the storm, symbolizing the upheaval experienced by many in the southern coast of the Sundarbans. Leo Thom, founder of the Mangrove Photography Awards, remarked on the girl’s expression of helplessness, which reflects the turmoil faced by countless individuals in the area.
Thom emphasized the dire consequences of rising sea levels and the breaching of protective embankments, which inundate the land with saltwater, rendering it unsuitable for agriculture for years. This cycle of destruction not only affects livelihoods but also threatens the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Now in its tenth year, the Mangrove Photography Awards aim to raise awareness about the beauty and fragility of mangrove forests like the Sundarbans. These unique ecosystems, found in 123 countries, play a crucial role in combating climate change by acting as significant carbon sinks. They also serve as natural barriers against flooding and provide habitats for endangered species such as tigers and jaguars.
Thom referred to mangroves as the “roots of the sea,” highlighting their importance for millions of coastal communities. These forests offer protection from the extremes of nature and act as nurseries for fish and marine life. However, despite their significance, mangroves are among the most threatened ecosystems globally. A recent report from the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems warns that over half of the world’s mangroves are at risk of collapse by 2050.
The 2024 awards received over 2,500 entries from 74 nations, showcasing a diverse array of images that celebrate both the beauty and the threats facing mangrove ecosystems. Winners were selected in six categories, including one dedicated to the challenges faced by mangroves. The winning image in this category, captured by Dipayan Bose, depicts a man standing in his flooded home, a stark reminder of the human cost of environmental degradation. Other notable entries illustrated urban development encroaching on mangrove habitats and pollution from fishing nets and toxic chemicals.
In contrast, other categories celebrated the breathtaking beauty of mangroves. Aerial photographs revealed stunning vistas of mangrove forests lining turquoise channels, while wildlife photography showcased the incredible biodiversity that thrives within these ecosystems. The title of “Young Mangrove Photographer of the Year” was awarded to Nicholas Alexander Hess from Australia for his captivating multiple exposure photograph of a saltwater crocodile’s eye peering out from the mangrove forest at low tide. Hess described the unsettling feeling evoked by the image, capturing the essence of the hidden dangers that lurk within the dense mangrove network.
The organizers of the awards believe that the diverse range of images submitted from around the world can help raise awareness about the ecological importance of mangroves and inspire action for their protection. Thom expressed hope that the photography awards would connect people to mangrove forests and their conservation, igniting interest in the rich diversity of life found within these vital ecosystems. The overarching goal is to protect existing healthy mangroves and enhance the restoration of lost forests.
The Mangrove Photography Awards not only celebrate the beauty of these ecosystems but also serve as a call to action. As climate change continues to threaten the delicate balance of coastal environments, the need for awareness and conservation efforts has never been more urgent. Through the lens of photography, the awards aim to inspire individuals and communities to recognize the value of mangroves and take steps to safeguard their future.
As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, the stories told through these award-winning photographs remind us of the resilience of nature and the urgent need for collective action. The beauty captured in these images stands in stark contrast to the destruction wrought by cyclones and rising sea levels, urging us to reflect on our relationship with the environment and the steps we must take to protect it.
In conclusion, the 2024 Mangrove Photography Awards have not only highlighted the artistic talent of photographers from around the globe but have also brought to light the pressing issues facing mangrove ecosystems. The winning images serve as a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of these vital habitats, urging us to take action to protect them for future generations.
Source: CNN
