Jacques Perrin

 

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Qingdao, China, October 2010

 

China's role

 

The 2008 Olympic Games have long been over, the sailboat races are only a distant memory, but crowds of tourists continue to flock to the seashore at Qingdao, a large city situated in the Northeast of China on the Yellow Sea. 

 

Flying over these few hundred meters of beach, I can't help but think of the over exploitation of our oceans with the thousands of shells and marine turtles sold as decorations, and even tiny living fish sold in plastic key chains.  I also reflect on the difficulties of the fishermen, who are now no more than circus animals trying to flaunt their meager catch under the cameras of passing tourists. 

 

My feathers freeze at the thought of so much proof confirming the uncertain future of our oceans!  It is not a toy, we do not own it and it does not contain infinite resources.  I would like to loudly chirp my dissatisfaction but before throwing accusations, it is necessary to explain and above all it is necessary to do better ourselves. 

 

So I whispered the story of the oceans to a few attentive youth; one day I will show them Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud's film, “Oceans” with it's breathtaking images which arouse so many positive emotions, simply by showing the beauty of the marine world, its power and its fragility. 

 

In China, like elsewhere, the youth are ready to take up the fight.  The just need to be made aware of the problems, the solutions as well.  They will find them too, I am sure.  Daniel, one of the region's youth, wants to hep me.  He is studying in Shanghai and with his friends he hopes to make a difference.  He loves nature and his country.  He is responsible. 

 

Him, his friends, others, behind a little ball of orange feathers, I chase my black ideas like the accidental pollution a bit further North in Dalian, and take to the sky again, confident in my dream to create eco-centers in China where the youth can go to learn about the fragile balance between nature and Man. 

 

China has an exceptional role to play in the future of our planet, and this new generation has the possibility to put their country in a model position. 

 

 

 

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Cherbourg, France, August 2010

 

Oceans, between hope and disappearance

 

Today I am meeting a flock of gulls.  They are going to show me the strange architecture of the Cherbourg Liner terminal in Normandy in Northwestern France. 

 

Large ships, like the Queen Mary 2, still come from time to time to relive the amazing past of this history filled building.  Even the Titanic stopped in before sinking in the middle of the Atlantic. 

 

I leave my friends outside after checking out several scientific submarines, each stranger than the previous because we are here at La Cité de la Mer (city of the sea), a great place for sea lovers.  It is the film “Oceans” that interests me, and one of the key scenes of this documentary was even filmed here. 

 

Everyone seems to be fascinated, especially the kids, and they barely notice me.  I take my time watching videos and following on the giant map the 54 sites where this monumental film was shot. 

 

My friend, Francois Sarano, a member of our panel of experts and one of the first to believe in Eco-Sys Action, made a large contribution to this film.  It is he who is alone in front of and swims with a Great white shark.  What an awe inspiring scene that really demonstrates how we should have greater tolerance of sharks!  Admirable and and moving when Francois swims with this sea “monster.”  You can feel his passion for the sea and this makes him one of the best ambassadors for sharks. 

 

More strong emotions seeing this life sized reproduction of a Steller's sea cow.  Not very well known this animal, is it?  And for a reason, since it was massacred in the 18th century for its flesh, fat and skin.  This giant cousin of the dugong lived in the Arctic, close to the Bering Strait, but was rapidly hunted to extinction.  And this Caribbean monk seal? Gone!  And this sea turtle?  Protect it as quickly as possible!   

 

As I sit on this Steller's sea cow, so symbolic, I remember the message from “Oceans”: “the Earth does not belong to us, it is to share.  Anything is possible.”

 

See the Oceans trailer at: