Testimonial: Sara Darnés “Preserving the sea is also preserving our health”
Sara Darnés Soler is a cardiologist based in Figueres. Although her relationship with photography is casual and playful, she has experienced it closely thanks to her husband, underwater photographer Albert Ollé Callau. With a natural and sensitive eye, Sara made her debut at MedFoto in 2024 with a striking image captured by chance during a dive, with her eyes open to the beauty and life of the sea. From both her professional and personal perspective, she advocates for the importance of preserving the Mediterranean as a key element for the health of the planet and its people.
Can you name a place in the Mediterranean that represents its essence?
The Costa Brava
How would you describe the current state of the relationship between people and the Mediterranean Sea?
The relationship between people and the Mediterranean is much like our relationship with the planet as a whole. We are not fully aware that the health and well-being of our seas and oceans directly affect human health. Rising water temperatures alter the climate of surrounding regions. They also change the fauna, both underwater and on land, which impacts our food supply and certain jobs that depend on marine well-being. Life on Earth is a delicate balance achieved over millions of years, and we are damaging it without hesitation.
Can you tell us the story behind the photo Shag, winner of the Mobile category at MedFoto 2024?
It’s a story of pure chance. We were on holiday in a quiet, idyllic cove in Menorca, enjoying some snorkelling and swimming. Albert had bought a waterproof phone case to take underwater photos anywhere without carrying his full camera gear. He asked me to take a few underwater shots of him. Usually, I’m the one playing the “mermaid” or it’s friends who join us. Luckily, just as we both dove in—he to swim and I to take the photo—a shag swam between us. That’s how the winning photo was captured.
What do you think we can do to better preserve the Mediterranean?
Continue raising awareness about the need to protect marine ecosystems, waters, and wildlife by limiting human activity so that our interaction with the Mediterranean is sustainable and non-aggressive.
A wish for the future of the Mediterranean
The same as for any other sea or ocean: that its temperature does not rise, that biodiversity is not lost, and that its waters remain free of chemical and physical waste.
