Wildlife & Nature Shortlist

Sea turtles are an endangered species with decreasing populations in the Mediterranean area.They function as tiebreakers of human pressures on the oceans: susceptible to climate change, consequent rising sea temperatures, entanglement, plastic pollution, poaching and bycatch fishing. They're an essential link in the food chain, and as they depend on the sea, a healthy sea also depends on them. This is why scientific research and conservation is vital. This work followed the marine biologists who work at CRes, an Italian research and rescue centre that studies and supports sea turtles in the Mediterranean Sea. They collaborate with the Zooprophylactic Institute, vets, and the Regional Nature Conservation and Forestry Policy Service for the protection and conservation of these species and the sea. Participating in an international research net, their job is essential to start repairing the damages human impact is responsible for.

Paola is a documentary photographer from Italy. She completed her studies in photography at Lancaster University, UK, and then took a photojournalism master at UAB (Autonomous University of Barcelona), as well as attending other documentary photography courses at CFD (Documentary Photography Centre) and a Graphic Design course, in Barcelona, Spain. She focuses her personal work towards aspects of identity and humanity conditions, Nature and the interactions that run between them, finding universal unfolding in individual and local stories.