ABOUT VULNERABLE

VULNERABLE is a photo exhibition which showcases the face of climate change in the Maldives, organised by Bluepeace, the first environmental organisation formed in the Maldives. The exhibition was launched in 2009 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Bluepeace, and to join the global environmental movement bringing attention to the threats of climate change in the run up to United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP15). The exhibition documents the vulnerability of the fragile coral islands of the Maldives to climate change, through pictures from talented Maldivian photographers. It depicts a nation under threat, as it tries to safeguard an age-old culture and lifestyle that could be erased with rising seas and climate change.

VULNERABLE was launched online on October 24, 2009, the International Day of Climate Action organised by 350.org, which calls for a reduction of global carbon emissions below 350 parts per million. The exhibition was planned to be launched in Republican Square in Male’, Maldives, on October 24. However, we were forced to cancel the physical exhibition scheduled for October 24, when Male’ Municipality backtracked on its offer of the Republican Square for the event at the last minute.

In the following months the exhibition moved to different locations including the beautiful city of Copenhagen in December 2009 where it was hosted by Klimaforum09, an alternate climate summit with participation from global environmental movements and civil society organisations. Other significant venues where VULNERABLE was hosted includes Hay Festival Wales (June 2010).

VULNERABLE is the result of dedicated input from Bluepeace volunteers and well-wishers as the organisation celebrates 20 years of protecting the environment. Bluepeace is particularly grateful to Ms Aylie Baker, a graduate student from the United States, travelling around the world to island nations, researching and documenting sustainability issues facing the islands. We appreciate her assistance in conceptualising this exhibition and her valuable input throughout all stages of planning the exhibition.

Bluepeace highly appreciates the efforts of the photographers who contributed to this exhibition. Without their dedication to this cause it would not have been possible to showcase the vulnerability of the Maldives to climate change through this exhibition.

Special thanks:

Aylie Baker, Muha, Mohamed Abdulla Shafeeg (Mode), Ali Nishan (Millzero), Ahmed Shujau, Ismail Moosa Fikry (Isee), Hamza Khaleel, Hussain Ifran, Ismail Hameed (Zembe), Jeff Hameed, Maldives Photographers Association, The Maldives President’s Office.