Series description
Sicily was once Europe’s main wheat producer, but it now faces the challenges of being a climate frontier, dealing with issues such as rising temperatures, desertification, unpredictable rainfall patterns and flash floods. As a pioneer in Europe’s response to tropicalisation, Sicily serves as an example of the scenario that awaits the whole continent.
This series consists of a series of human, scientific and agricultural stories that explore the emerging realities amidst ongoing climate change. It highlights the efforts of local universities to drive agricultural innovation, test weather-resistant organic crops and introduce new fertilisers tailored to desertified land. The story also follows the burgeoning weather-sensitive tropical fruit industry in Sicily, where farmers are transforming their crops into extensive mango, avocado and papaya plantations to turn the weather challenge into a new opportunity.
Biography
Jean-Marc Caimi and Valentina Piccinni collaborate on impactful documentary and personal photography projects, with a keen focus on human aspects. Their work is extensively featured in international press. They've earned awards including the 2019 Sony World Photography Award in the Discovery category. Their exhibitions span Europe and Asia, with six published books they received the Kassel Dummy Book Award special mention and were finalist at the Luma Rencontres Award.
Tropicalia
Sicily faces an annual loss of 117 square kilometres (45 square miles) of fertile land, with projections indicating that three quarters of the island will be affected by 2030. Root causes include drought, aridity and climate change. In rural areas, elderly residents witness profound transformations that pose a delicate challenge: balancing the preservation of cultural heritage with the need to adapt to modern attitudes and technology.
© Jean-Marc Caimi & Valentina Piccinni, Italy, 2nd Place, Professional competition, Environment, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
Tropicalia
The University of Catania in Sicily collaborates on a vital project, testing more than 2,000 wheat varieties. Identifying adaptation patterns and productivity, and including ancient varieties for biodiversity, is crucial in addressing climate change. Pippo Zammataro, a veteran farmer in Catenanuova, witnessed the effects of climate change first hand when the area recorded Europe’s highest temperature at 48.5°C (119.3°F).
© Jean-Marc Caimi & Valentina Piccinni, Italy, 2nd Place, Professional competition, Environment, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
Tropicalia
Mango shoots are prepared for grafting as Sicilian farmers shift from citrus to tropical groves due to rising demand and the rapidly changing climate. Entrepreneur Francesco Verri spearheads a network of small-scale growers in Messina, cultivating lesser-known tropical fruits. His vision is to establish a ‘made in Sicily’ tropical fruits brand, raising awareness among everyday consumers.
© Jean-Marc Caimi & Valentina Piccinni, Italy, 2nd Place, Professional competition, Environment, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
Tropicalia
Climate change is prompting Sicilian farmers to give up their land to host photovoltaic and agrovoltaic systems, potentially threatening food sovereignty. Elena Giorgianni, a naturopath and farmer, is resisting the trend by growing tropical fruits organically in the hills around Messina. Taking advantage of the new weather conditions and the demand for high-quality Italian tropical fruits, she is pioneering an approach that balances environmental sustainability with consumer preferences.
© Jean-Marc Caimi & Valentina Piccinni, Italy, 2nd Place, Professional competition, Environment, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
Tropicalia
Pietro (left) is a passionate grower in Messina, Sicily, who tends to a lush property that resembles a tropical forest. Cultivating avocados, mangoes and the in-demand Dragon Fruit, he adapts to climate insights from Christian Mulder (right) an ecology professor at Catania University. Mulder’s influential lectures, which focus on climate change, underscore the urgent need for rapid adaptation strategies and raise awareness about the swift changes in our climate.
© Jean-Marc Caimi & Valentina Piccinni, Italy, 2nd Place, Professional competition, Environment, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
Tropicalia
Renowned chefs are breaking culinary boundaries by infusing traditional dishes with tropical fruits, such as a tuna stew with papaya (pictured left). Many of these Sicilian tropical fruits originate from the greenhouses of Maria de Los Angeles Paniagua Guiros (pictured right). Maria and her husband, Natale, play a pivotal role in supplying local farmers venturing into this innovative business.
© Jean-Marc Caimi & Valentina Piccinni, Italy, 2nd Place, Professional competition, Environment, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
Tropicalia
Devoted Sicilian growers in the thriving tropical fruits business proudly display sprouts from avocado seeds on their cupboards and furniture shelves. Natale Torre, an agronomist and skilled nurseryman, is a leading specialist in tropical species and his nursery is fueling the growth of Sicily’s tropical fruit business.
© Jean-Marc Caimi & Valentina Piccinni, Italy, 2nd Place, Professional competition, Environment, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
Tropicalia
Donatella Mirabella owns a bar in Catenanuova, Sicily, which was recently ranked as one of the hottest places in Europe. She has seen first hand how climate change is driving locals to abandon family farming. According to the Anbi Observatory on Water Resources, 70 percent of the region is at risk of desertification, which calls for comprehensive action to address the impacts of climate change and protect Sicily’s natural resources.
© Jean-Marc Caimi & Valentina Piccinni, Italy, 2nd Place, Professional competition, Environment, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards