Sharjah 24: Regarding his participation in the 6th edition of the Xposure international Photography Festival, French Laurent Ballesta, marine biologist, underwater photographer, and pioneer deep diver, expressed his joy at being among the world's best photographers and discussed the importance of his ocean expeditions and photography in enhancing biodiversity in our world.

Speaking exclusively to “Sharjah 24”, Ballesta said that his exhibition comprises 24 prints that depict oceans, and all these images demonstrate how important ocean ecosystems are for human survival, since they create half of the oxygen we breathe on this planet.

He feels it is critical to establish a relationship between art and science in order to aid in the preservation of our world.

Darryl Owen, Sponsorships and Partnerships Manager at AZRAQ, the UAE's leading NGO dedicated to ocean protection and conservation, talked exclusively to "Sharjah 24" during the Xposure International Photography Festival about the pioneering UAE AZRAQ Project, which aims to create an underwater city in Dibba on the UAE's east coast.

"AZRAQ aims to expand the UAE's coral reef ecosystem, increase fish populations, protect the shoreline, and conserve the coral," he remarked.

The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) of the United Nations Environment Programme has acknowledged and certified the AZRAQ initiative (UNEP).