Republic of the Congo | 2024 | Sculpture

The sea and the child

In Pointe-Noire, in the Republic of the Congo, an artist and primary school pupils are collaborating to create a sculpture inspired by marine biodiversity. Shaped like a gigantic whale, it has been installed in the middle of a busy roundabout frequently used by residents. This artistic and participatory project highlights the interdependence between humans and the ocean, as well as the importance of protecting the marine ecosystem.

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The Sea and the Child

A biodiversity little-known by the population

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Pointe-Noire, the economic capital of the Congo, is a port city where exceptional marine biodiversity (sea turtles, cetaceans, sharks, etc.) coexists with intense human activities (fishing, oil extraction, maritime trade). However, this natural wealth is threatened by pollution, overfishing, and the population’s limited knowledge of these issues. The NGO Renatura Congo has been working with communities on these topics for nearly twenty years.

Artist
Rémy-Gaylord MONGO-ETSION

Partners
Renatura Congo, City Council of Pointe-Noire, AFD, French Embassy, European Union

Participants
Primary school pupils from Pointe-Noire and coastal villages

Agency
AFD Congo-Brazzaville

A collective artwork, a lasting impact

In partnership with the city council and the Metis Fund, Renatura Congo organized workshops in primary schools in Pointe-Noire. Children were invited to draw their vision of the sea. These drawings inspired artist Rémy-Gaylord Mongo-Etsion in the creation of a monumental sculpture that has been installed on a city roundabout. Through art, pupils better understand the challenges of marine conservation, while the final artwork serves as a permanent visual reminder for drivers and passers-by.

This project transforms how residents perceive a marine environment they often know little about and highlights the role of art in ecological engagement. Through participatory activities and a durable artistic creation, it strengthens the connection between the community and its ecosystem.

The sculpture thus became a symbol of the need to protect marine biodiversity, echoing Congo’s international commitments to sustainable development.