Producing a book is always an exciting journey, but the release of Baía das Tartarugas: Marine Wealth in the Capital of Espírito Santo, which will take place on November 8th, holds a deeper meaning for me.
This isn’t just another piece for my collection; it’s a gift to my homeland, to Vitória, the city I consider a true epicenter of biodiversity.
It’s a book about a place with which I am deeply and emotionally connected. It represents the fascination I felt as a five-year-old when my late father showed me the beauty of the beach that felt like our backyard.
Back then, I had no idea of the value of the coastline of the capital of Espírito Santo. But now I know… and I must share it with you.
That’s why I invite you to dive into this story with me and, of course, to be part of the book launch. Come celebrate with us!
Connection
My connection with nature and with Vitória transcends the simple act of taking photographs. Many people ask me why, as a nature photographer, I choose to stay here, when there are so many opportunities around the world.
The answer is simple: Espírito Santo is one of the world’s richest areas in terms of biodiversity.
And this book is one of my ways of giving back to this land. It’s proof that our city’s greatest vocation is its natural beauty.
The Adventures Behind Each Image
The book is the result of years of dedication, starting in 2013. The Espírito Santo Bay area, from the beginning of the port to the base of the third bridge, including Camburi Beach, Ilha do Frade, and Ilha do Boi, was declared an Environmental Protection Area (APA) in 2018, known as APA Baía das Tartarugas.
The richness here is surprising, from the coastal vegetation and islands to the waters that shelter vibrant marine life, even with the challenges faced by a bustling capital city.
I remember the first time I went to capture the fish that are now illustrated in the book.
With every dive, it felt like stepping into a living painting. The colors, the movements—everything unfolded magically before the camera.
Marine ecosystem captured during a dive in Baía das Tartarugas, a testament to the area’s biodiversity | Photo: Leonardo Merçon/Instituto Últimos Refúgios
The most challenging part, however, was capturing the essence of this biodiversity. It’s not just about taking photos; you become part of that world for a few moments.
Challenges and Achievements
The process of creating this book wasn’t easy. Often, the sea and weather conditions presented obstacles, but the team remained committed.
Having my colleagues from Instituto Últimos Refúgios by my side and partnering with the Vitória City Hall and local companies was crucial. Passion for the environmental cause was the driving force behind every page.
During the underwater photography sessions, I remember feeling a mix of enchantment and urgency.
Enchantment from being so closely connected to marine life, but urgency because I know we are racing against time to preserve these treasures.
Sea turtles, for example, are the stars of this setting. They face serious conservation challenges, which is exactly why APA Baía das Tartarugas was created.
The Importance of Sea Turtles and Conservation
Among the many species that inhabit the bay, the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) stands out. Classified as vulnerable, this species finds crucial support in Vitória for its survival.
The creation of the APA was an important milestone for their protection. However, human activities, such as illegal fishing and pollution, still pose threats.
What makes Vitória unique is its location. Situated in an estuarine region, the city benefits from mangroves that provide shelter and food for many marine species.
The mangroves, aside from being nurseries for fish—even though they are not part of the APA—are also essential ecosystems for maintaining the balance between land and sea.
A Journey of Preservation and Inspiration
The book Baía das Tartarugas is an invitation for more people to discover and defend local nature.
It’s no coincidence that the name of this conservation unit was inspired by sea turtles.
They symbolize resilience and the fight for survival in an increasingly threatened environment. And that’s what we want to inspire in the people of Espírito Santo: pride in their land and a desire to protect it.
Each image captured in this book carries a story. Photography is not just a technical act; it’s an emotional experience that connects me to the environment in a unique way.
A Gift to Vitória and for the Future
With the launch of this book, I aim not only to share beautiful images. More importantly, I want every person who turns its pages to feel the same love I have for this place.
I want people to feel proud of our nature and understand that protecting these environments is a collective responsibility. After all, no one else will do it for us.
So, I invite you to visit the exhibition, explore the book, and fall in love with Baía das Tartarugas just as I did. See you at the launch!
EVENT DETAILS
Date: November 8, Friday
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Projeto Tamar, Vitória/ES
Exhibition Duration: November 8 – December 18, 2024
Get your ticket on the Sympla platform by clicking here.
Note: Tickets are free but limited until the venue reaches full capacity.
THE PROJECT
The book project is a realization of Instituto Últimos Refúgios and the Baía das Tartarugas Conservation Project, made possible by the Espírito Santo Cultural Incentive Law (LICC) of the Secretary of Culture (Secult), with sponsorship from the Grupo Águia Branca, support from Grafitusa, and partnership with the Vitória City Hall. The launch is supported by the Fundação Projeto Tamar.
Visit, comment, like, and share this content. Send the article link to your friends who will enjoy this story. Your interaction is essential to keeping my conservation work alive and showing the world the importance of protecting our biodiversity.
I hope you enjoyed this story. See you on the next adventure!
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Nature photographer and cinematographer, founder of Instituto Últimos Refúgios, Master in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development, passionate about the environment! Join me on this incredible journey of wildlife discoveries and see more beautiful stories as I constantly explore nature.
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