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Australie, Red Sea, Indian Oceans, Pacific and Atlantic.

Coral reefs, a challenge for humanity is the work of photographer Alexis Rosenfeld and journalist Alexie Valois.It bears witness to the beauty of these jewels of biodiversity, it presents scientific monitoring missions, and stresses the importance — for each and everyone of us — of preserving coral reefs of all oceans.
This exhibition also announces the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). In the face of ocean degradation, it is becoming increasingly urgent to find scientific solutions allowing to understand the changes at work and end the decline of oceans, the largest ecosystem of our planet. Coral reefs are an essential element of ocean life.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation has long been involved in the conservation of coral reefs ecosystems. 29 natural marine sites are listed as UNESCO world heritage sites including the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Phoenix Islands Protected Area in Kiribati.
What is at stake in their preservation is immense. A scientific study by UNESCO and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), financed by l’Agence Française pour la Biodiversité, was made public by UNESCO in 2017. It predicts that all these sites might suffer severe annual bleaching and would thus stop hosting functioning coral reef systems by the end of the century.
On the occasion of IYOR 2018, International Year Of the Reef and World Oceans Day (June 8), this open access exhibition offers visitors to visually immerse in the wonderful, little-known world of coral reefs. Photographer Alexis Rosenfeld has used special techniques to render underwater landscapes in their beauty, dimension and the importance they have for all of us.
Coral reefs have never been shown this way. This exhibition allows everyone to admire these exceptional natural sites, in the Red Sea, in the Indian Ocean, the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean.
On the fences of the UNESCO headquarters, and triptychs, large format photographs are invitations to go on an underwater stroll.
Texts and filmed interviews, stories and 360° photographs… to access via one’s smartphone by scanning QR codes provide further elements of comprehension.