Mediterranean: The Pelagos Sanctuary

After exploring the most remote oceans on the planet, award winning photographer Greg Lecoeur returns to his birthplace, the Mediterranean, to reveal its hidden power and vulnerability. Through his NGO We Are Méditerranée, he leads expeditions that combine science, storytelling and public awareness to protect this threatened ecosystem.

The audience is invited into the heart of the Pelagos Sanctuary, the only international marine protected area dedicated to large marine mammals, a hotspot of pelagic life where whales, dolphins, mobula rays and monk seals roam the open sea. This immersive presentation unveils an unseen Mediterranean, fragile yet vital to the balance of our planet.

More than a journey, this session is a call to wonder, responsibility and informed hope for the future of our shared ocean.

What you will take away:
• A clear understanding of the Pelagos Sanctuary, its boundaries, purpose and species
• Practical insights into citizen science, responsible marine tourism and everyday actions that reduce pressure on the Mediterranean
• Storytelling techniques that turn underwater images and data into compelling conservation narratives

Who this is for:
• Photographers, filmmakers and visual storytellers interested in marine conservation
• Educators, students and ocean enthusiasts seeking science based context about Mediterranean biodiversity
• Policy shapers, NGO teams and travellers who wish to engage responsibly with marine protected areas