MARE 2025 encourages the youth to get involved in marine conservation with its first reels contest

The 2025 activity program includes new features such as a reels contest aimed at bringing marine conservation closer to younger audiences.

MARE is reaching out to younger generations to highlight the importance of preserving the Balearic marine biodiversity. One of the key new initiatives: the first-ever reels competition, open to participation through social media platforms.

This was one of the highlights announced on Tuesday, June 3rd, during the presentation of MARE 2025. The event, held at the Port Centre of the Balearic Port Authority (APB), was used to outline this year’s activities and reveal details of the 6th edition of the photography contest.

Abraham Calero, technical coordinator of the contest, explained that this edition of MARE will spotlight the ecological importance of shallow bays, with a special honorable mention for photos taken in these areas.

The competition will once again feature a highly respected, internationally renowned jury. This year’s panel includes Emma Cebrián, marine biologist specializing in benthic ecosystems and habitat restoration, Ana Palacios, photographer and journalist focused on human rights and the environment, and Merche Llobera, underwater and wildlife photographer known for her conservation work and internationally awarded imagery.

But MARE is more than just a photo and video contest, it’s a conservation initiative. It includes workshops to connect the general public with the richness of the Balearic Sea, and actions designed to turn imagery into a vehicle for social transformation and awareness. That’s why the 2025 program adopts the slogan “from the lens to action.” Key new features include:

• Expansion of the educational program with workshops for children, youth, and the general public — such as the upcoming workshop on June 7 at the Open Day of the Port of Maó, aimed at showcasing the work being done by GOB Menorca and OBSAM in conserving and restoring shallow bays.
   
• Broader reach of the traveling exhibition featuring winning images from MARE 2024, bringing the sea to all the islands.

In five editions, MARE has achieved:

• 1,138 participating photographers
   
• 5,980 photographs submitted
   
• 2,196 images donated for conservation purposes
   
• 97 workshops held, with over 1,200 participants
   
• 10 additional exhibitions beyond the annual traveling ones

The MARE 2025 presentation featured key figures from the project such as Amador Garcias, MARE coordinator, Abraham Calero, technical coordinator, Aniol Esteban, director of the Marilles Foundation, Javier Sanz, president of the APB, and fhotographer Silvia Mus.

Amador Garcias, MARE coordinator, has said: “The slogan 'from the lens to action' sums up what MARE represents. An image is not an endpoint but a starting point for real change. We don’t want images and words to be forgotten, we want them to become real projects that contribute to conservation.”

Aniol Esteban, director of the Marilles Foundation, has expressed: “We have a sea that is not receiving the attention it deserves. Politicians and businesses struggle to look below the surface. That’s why MARE sheds light on the wonders hidden there, opening people’s eyes while letting them show us their vision of the sea. MARE’s goal is to inspire action that helps protect the Balearic Sea.”

Javier Sanz, APB president, emphasized the Port Authority’s commitment to marine conservation and the importance of supporting initiatives like MARE that combine art, science, and public engagement, has shared: “MARE is open and inclusive, but it is funded by very few. We invite institutions, companies, and individuals to join this exciting project.”

Silvia Mus, a photographer involved with MARE from the beginning, shared her experience and highlighted how a single image can create profound emotional and social impact. She noted that many of her photos donated to MARE have been used in scientific reports, awareness campaigns, and marine restoration projects.

The event concluded with the screening of a video about the MARE project and an open call for participation.