“The Last Mangrove”

Alliance Française Siem Reap

30th Nov 2024 – 17th Jan 2025

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ROUN Ry, from Banteay Mean Chey, moved to Siem Reap in 2006 for education, and discovered photography through Anjali House and Angkor Photo Festival. It became a passion, and he held his first solo exhibition in 2019 and has participated in several international festivals, with his work featured in various publications. In his series in black and white, he focuses on « The Loss and Restoration of Mangroves in Cambodia ». He uses precise framing, a diversity of point of views and distance and the use of black and white and of quite spectacular lights give a kind a dramatic ambient to his series.

« My series documents the impact of this destruction and highlights local restoration efforts. Residents express concern over dwindling fish yields as mangroves are cleared for development, harming both biodiversity and community well-being. Climate change further exacerbates these threats, with rising sea levels and temperatures jeopardizing fragile ecosystems. If we don’t act to preserve and restore mangroves, we will face severe consequences. Communities are beginning to unite to save the remaining mangroves, and my project aims to tell their story of resilience in the face of adversity. ».

Mangrove forests are vital to coastal ecosystems, preventing erosion and providing habitats for marine species. From 1989 to2017, Cambodia lost nearly half of its mangrove forests—about 1415 hectares annually—mainly due to salt farming, charcoal production, and shrimp farming. In provinces like Koh Kong and Kampot, destruction rates reached up to 52%. With 75-80% of coastal residents relying on fishing, the loss of mangroves threatens their livelihoods.