Introduction
The natural world’s delicate balance faces increasing threats from climate change, and the Mangrove Photography Awards spotlight the intersection of these threats with the vibrant ecosystems of mangrove forests. Now in its 10th year, the competition, managed by the Mangrove Action Project, has continued its mission of highlighting the intricate relationships between wildlife, coastal communities, and mangrove forests. This year’s winner, Supratim Bhattacharjee, has captured a haunting portrait that not only won the top prize but also stirred profound reflection on the impacts of climate change. This article explores the winning image, the stories behind it, and the broader implications of the competition.
The Winning Image: “Sinking Sundarbans” by Supratim Bhattacharjee
A Portrait of Resilience and Despair
Supratim Bhattacharjee’s evocative photograph, titled “Sinking Sundarbans,” stands out as a powerful testament to the devastating effects of climate change on coastal communities. The image features Pallavi, a young woman standing in front of her destroyed home and tea shop, ravaged by a recent storm. Bhattacharjee’s lens captures her serene yet resolute expression amidst the wreckage, illustrating a poignant contrast between human strength and environmental destruction.
Bhattacharjee, reflecting on his work, noted, “I observed her strong face and calm nature during that devastating period. Children are the ones that suffer the most.” His photograph not only portrays Pallavi’s personal tragedy but also raises broader questions about the vulnerability of communities in the face of escalating climate-related disasters.
The Significance of the Sundarbans
The Sundarbans, located in the Bay of Bengal, is the largest mangrove forest in the world and plays a crucial role in protecting the region from the impacts of climate change. The forest’s mangroves act as natural barriers against storm surges and coastal erosion. However, the increasing frequency and severity of storms, coupled with rising sea levels, have rendered these vital ecosystems more fragile.
Competition judge Dhritiman Mukherjee emphasized the image’s impact, stating, “[The winning] image raises a thousand questions, whilst connecting you to the girl’s heart.” Mukherjee’s comment underscores how Bhattacharjee’s work captures not only the immediate devastation but also the broader, systemic issues faced by coastal communities globally.
The Broader Context: Mangrove Ecosystems and Climate Change
The Role of Mangroves
Mangrove forests are essential for maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity. These unique ecosystems absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide, making them crucial in the fight against climate change. Research indicates that one acre of mangrove forest can sequester nearly as much carbon as an acre of Amazon rainforest. Additionally, mangroves protect coastlines from erosion and mitigate the effects of storm surges, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.
The Threats Facing Mangroves
Despite their importance, mangroves are under threat from a variety of factors. Deforestation, driven by development and agriculture, has led to the loss of critical mangrove habitats. Additionally, climate change has exacerbated these threats by increasing the frequency and severity of storms and rising sea levels. The combined impact of these factors has led to the erosion of coastlines and the displacement of communities reliant on these ecosystems.
Highlights from the 2024 Mangrove Photography Awards
Mangroves & People
Winner: “Mud Bath Ritual” by Johannes Panji Christo, Indonesia
Johannes Panji Christo’s photograph, “Mud Bath Ritual,” captures a traditional purification ritual in Kedonganan village, Bali. The image shows people in sarongs and traditional headgear collecting mud from the mangroves. This ritual, known as Mebuug Buugan, is a form of gratitude and prayer for the earth’s fertility. Christo’s work highlights the cultural significance of mangroves and their role in local traditions.
Highly Commended: “Sinking Sundarbans II” by Supratim Bhattacharjee, India
Following the success of his winning image, Bhattacharjee’s “Sinking Sundarbans II” delves deeper into the ongoing crisis faced by communities in the Sundarbans. The photograph continues to explore themes of loss and adaptation, further emphasizing the urgent need for action to protect these vulnerable areas.
Mangroves & Landscape
Winner: “Nature’s Ribbon” by Ammar Alsayed Ahmed, United Arab Emirates
Ammar Alsayed Ahmed’s “Nature’s Ribbon” invites viewers to contemplate the serene beauty of a mangrove forest in the United Arab Emirates. The photograph captures the intricate patterns formed by the intertwining roots of mangrove trees, creating a natural tapestry that harmonizes with the flowing water. This image showcases the aesthetic and ecological importance of mangrove landscapes.
Highly Commended: “Framing the Sunset” by Vladimir Borzykin, India
Vladimir Borzykin’s “Framing the Sunset” presents a dramatic view of the rocky reef exposed during low tide on Neil Island in the Andaman Islands. The photograph emphasizes the stark contrast between the rugged coastal terrain and the delicate mangrove ecosystem, highlighting the challenges faced by these environments.
Mangroves & Wildlife
Winner: “Mud-Ring Feeding” by Mark Ian Cook, US
Mark Ian Cook’s photograph, “Mud-Ring Feeding,” captures the unique feeding behavior of bottlenose dolphins in Florida Bay. The image shows a dolphin using its tail to create a mud ring, which traps fish in a spiral-shaped plume. This behavior demonstrates the complex interactions between mangrove wildlife and their environment.
Highly Commended: “The Fire Within” by Javier Orozco, Mexico
Javier Orozco’s “The Fire Within” features a crocodile in the El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary in Mexico. The sanctuary, located next to a small lagoon, has become a refuge for crocodiles amidst the loss of wetlands due to urban expansion. Orozco’s photograph highlights the challenges faced by wildlife in mangrove ecosystems under threat.
Mangroves & Threats
Winner: “Mangrove Walls Broken” by Dipayan Bose, India
Dipayan Bose’s “Mangrove Walls Broken” portrays the impact of rising sea levels and tropical cyclones on the Sundarbans. The photograph shows broken river embankments and flooded homes, illustrating the severe consequences of climate change on local communities and their livelihoods.
Highly Commended: “Love Entangled in Ghost Net” by Daphne Wong, Hong Kong
Daphne Wong’s “Love Entangled in Ghost Net” captures the plight of horseshoe crabs caught in an abandoned fishing net. The photograph highlights the dangers posed by ghost nets in mangrove forests, which entangle marine life and threaten their survival. Wong’s work brings attention to the broader issue of marine debris and its impact on ecosystems.
Mangroves & Underwater
Winner: “Guardians of the Mangroves” by Olivier Clement, Bahamas
Olivier Clement’s “Guardians of the Mangroves” showcases a turtle navigating the intricate roots of a mangrove forest in the Bahamas. The photograph captures the mangroves’ role as a refuge for marine life, illustrating the importance of these ecosystems in providing shelter and protection.
Highly Commended: “Kakaban Mangrove” by Purwanto Nugroho, Indonesia
Purwanto Nugroho’s “Kakaban Mangrove” highlights the role of mangroves in filtering pollutants and storing carbon. The photograph depicts the complex root structures that help bind soil and reduce erosion, emphasizing the ecological benefits of mangrove forests.
Mangroves & Conservation Stories
Winner: “Symbiosis” by Giacomo d’Orlando, Indonesia
Giacomo d’Orlando’s “Symbiosis” documents the efforts of local communities in Demak Regency to restore mangroves that have been lost to aquaculture ponds. The photograph illustrates the resilience of these communities as they work to revive their coastal ecosystem and protect their homes from erosion.
Runner Up: “Together” by Raj Hassanaly, Madagascar
Raj Hassanaly’s “Together” portrays the collaborative efforts of local communities and conservation organizations in Madagascar to restore mangrove forests. The image captures the spirit of cooperation and determination in the face of environmental challenges.
Young Mangrove Photographer of the Year
Winner: “Mangrove at Night” by Nicholas Alexander Hess, Australia
Nicholas Alexander Hess’s “Mangrove at Night” presents a young saltwater crocodile in the mangroves at low tide. Using multiple exposure techniques, Hess captures the eerie beauty of the mangrove environment, conveying a sense of mystery and hidden dangers.
Conclusion
The 2024 Mangrove Photography Awards have once again provided a platform for showcasing the beauty and vulnerability of mangrove ecosystems. Through the lens of talented photographers, the competition highlights the urgent need for conservation and the ongoing impacts of climate change on these vital environments. The haunting and powerful images from this year’s awards not only capture the essence of the mangrove forests but also serve as a call to action to protect these critical ecosystems for future generations.
