Doriano Belloni began exploring the turquoise waters off the Italian island of Sardinia when he was a child.
Searching for coral soon became his passion - and his livelihood.
Now 70 years old, he still dives every summer in search of one of the Mediterranean’s gems, the spectacular red coral which is sought by buyers in Italy and abroad.
He is the first to admit the need to protect red coral for the future.
“With this job, we have to live; we have to support our families,” Doriano says. “It is in our interest to ensure the resources continue to exist. So we don’t destroy the coral.”
Red coral has been a precious commodity since prehistoric times. Traces of this colorful organism have been found at archaeological sites across Europe, and it has adorned religious art, sculptures, ornaments and jewellery for centuries. It can be found in shades ranging from pale pink to deep red and top quality coral sells for up to USD 6 000 (EUR 5 000) per kilogramme.
Some precious coral species, including red coral, are now recognised as vulnerable because of a range of pressures, including rising sea temperatures, water pollution as well as uncontrolled harvest. Together with a changing climate, these issues threaten the long-term survival of red coral and many other aquatic species in our increasinly vulnerable seas and ocean.
Covering over 70 percent of the planet, our ocean supports humanity and all organisms on earth. It produces at least 50 percent of the planet’s oxygen and is home to most of earth’s biodiversity. Not to mention, that 1 in 10 people in the world depends on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods.