Coral Bleaching

This Master of Art and Design thesis has been inspired by 2018 IYOR(International Year of the Reef).It seeks to bring to awareness the effects of coralbleaching epidemic on the Seychelles Islands,a country comprised of 115 islands,with a coral coverage of about 50%of the coastal plain and with its main source ofGDP being tourism and fisheries.A total of 80%of Seychelles population andeconomic activities is focused in the coastal area,which means they depend on coralreefs to either supply or support them.The artist creates an installation that uses both visual and auditory senses,as wellas references to the global decision makers,in order to engage the viewers and helpthem relate to the fate of this country.This paper also describes and analyzes the work of several artists who dwelledon the topic and motif of corals and coral reefs.Additionally,it reviews the researchon some of the major decisions of the UN that affected the nature of coral reefs,it alsotalks about global power nations,taking China as an example.China’s fast economicdevelopment and policy reviews in environmental laws and standards can influence,inspire and guide policy makers in innovative ways,thus indirectly help to contribute and tackle the coral bleaching crisis.