Tunis, June 8 (TAP) – Known for its proximity to the Kuriat Islands—true marine sanctuaries of exceptional biodiversity, home to vast seagrass meadows, schools of fish, and breathtaking underwater landscapes, Monastir, a coastal city in Tunisia’s Sahel region with a unique marine ecosystem, will host the international underwater photography and videography festival “The Odyssey of Posidonia” (L’Odyssée de la Posidonie) from June 18 to 22, 2025.
Organised by the World Underwater Federation (CMAS-Africa), in partnership notably with the Tunisian Underwater Activities and LifeSaving Federation (FASST), the Arab Diving and Lifesaving Federation, and the association Notre Grand Bleu, the festival positions itself as a singular international event combining artistic competition, environmental commitment and awareness-raising for the preservation of Posidonia oceanica meadows—a flowering underwater plant native to the Mediterranean.
Images as a tool to raise awareness about marine ecosystem conservation
This event aims to showcase the richness of the Mediterranean seabed, particularly in Monastir and the Kuriat Marine and Coastal Protected Area—through underwater photography and videography, using imagery as a means to promote awareness of the importance of marine ecosystems.
It brings together divers, photographers, videographers, artists, and citizens around marine conservation, in a moment of connection among professionals, enthusiasts, scientists, and civil society organisations.
Guided by renowned experts and supported by committed partners, the event offers participants the opportunity to showcase their talent, share their passion, and immerse themselves in the fascinating world of Posidonia.
By welcoming talented divers from various countries, the festival offers a unique opportunity for seasoned photographers and passionate videographers alike to capture, through their lenses, the secrets and mysteries of the underwater world.
A competition, a jury, and awards
The competition features three categories: photography, videography, and creativity. The best works, selected according to artistic and technical criteria, will be announced and awarded on June 22 during the closing ceremony. The top three winners in each category will receive medals and certificates following the jury’s deliberation, made up of two experts: Adnan Drnda and Yacine Fates.
Adnan Drnda, a renowned underwater photographer and videographer, is the founder of the SCUBA Sarajevo Diving Club and a CMAS instructor. A multiple-time national champion in Bosnia and Herzegovina, he has represented his country in numerous international competitions, including the CMAS European Championship.
Yacine Fates, a passionate underwater photographer and CMAS instructor, is president of the MANTA RAY diving club. He is recognised for his commitment to marine biodiversity and environmental protection and won first prize in Algeria’s biodiversity photography competition in 2021.
Beyond the competition, “The Odyssey of Posidonia” is above all a celebration of the passion for underwater photography and the preservation of marine wonders.
Born from the desire to bring together amateurs, professionals, and sea lovers, the event highlights the art of capturing the invisible treasures of the deep, while raising awareness of the fragility of marine ecosystems, especially Posidonia oceanica.
Present on Earth for millions of years, Posidonia, called “dhrii” in Tunisian dialect, is one of the oldest plant species in the world. Weakened by human activity, it remains a vital marine treasure, whose protection is a shared and collective responsibility.
(Reporting by Sarra Belghith; Translation by Ahmed Gaddeh; Editing by Samir Ben Romdhane)