DIVE INTO THE GREAT MIGRATION OF LIFE TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE STATE OF THE OCEAN

Dive into The Great Migration of Life to better understand the state of the ocean.  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 greatest animal migrations, threatened by climate change and underwater mining projects.

From April until the end of July, UNESCO and 1 OCEAN are conducting a months-long expedition off the South African coast.

Every year, an extraordinary animal impulse 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 spanning over 1500 kilometres. From Algoa Bay to the South Coast of Kwazulu Natal, massive banks several kilometres long form, darkening the sea. Almost instantly, tens of thousands of dolphins, white sharks, fur seals, Cape gannets, humpack and Bryde’s whales join the feast, resulting in scenes of unparalleled predation. In terms of biomass, this is the largest animal migration.

The region appears to be attracting interest for fossil energy exploration, posing a significant threat to biodiversity already heavily impacted by climate change and coastal development. Between 2000 and 2015, 70% of the Cape penguin population disappeared.

For Alexis Rosenfeld, this expedition also holds a stake in transmission and memory:

“Each 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.”

SCHEDULED FILM BROADCAST:

The expedition was presented on June 12th at UNESCO as part of the launch of the new “State of the Ocean Report,” addressing threats to the ocean, especially the increasing rate of ocean warming and sea level rise over 20 and 30 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, written by Thierry Piantanida.

“The Great Migration of Life” will be broadcasted during the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), scheduled for June 2025 in Nice. The project will be showcased through an XXL exhibition along with a 360° immersive experience.

A premiere and a campus programme for youth will be held at UNESCO during the Year of the Ocean.

Alexis Rosenfeld

ALEXIS ROSENFELD 

Professional photographer Alexis Rosenfeld discovered diving at the age of 8, a discipline to which he has dedicated a true passion ever since. Always in search of new adventures and stories to tell, he asserts that his universe lies “underneath the sea level.” From the last expedition of Commander Cousteau in 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 outlets in France and worldwide.

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 related to ocean preservation, the United Nations declared the Decade of the Oceans (2021-2030). This initiative aims to mobilise the scientific community, policymakers, businesses, and civil society around the Ocean. For 10 years, UNESCO supports Alexis Rosenfeld and the 1 OCEAN project in their exploration missions.

LACAZ’A PRODUCTION

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 oceans, La Caz’a productions is committed to knowledge dissemination 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.