When the Balance Breaks
-
PrizeShortlist
-
PhotographerIsabella Franceschini, Italy
-
Date of Photograph2025
-
CategoryEurope
-
StudioIsabella Franceschini
-
Website
-
Instagram
The Po Delta has become an open-air laboratory where science and local communities struggle to restore a fragile balance. The rapid spread of the blue crab, an invasive species, has disrupted the ecosystem and economy of the Scardovari lagoon. Clam and mussel farms have been devastated, production has collapsed, and losses exceed 100 million euros, affecting more than 2,000 families. While capture programs and the promotion of blue crab consumption and export are underway, experimental solutions including anti-crab barriers and controlled clam reproduction areas, offer signs of resilience.
Isabella Franceschini is an Italian freelance photographer, contributor for Parallelozero photojournalism agency and Lowepro Ambassador. After a degree in Economics she attended a one-year masterclass of photojournalism in Rome. Isabella is currently developing long-term projects primarily inspired by what influences human beings and their relationships as well as issues related to environment sustainability. She has contributed to a Telethon Foundation Campaign about rare genetic diseas. Her projects have been featured in The Washington Post, Der Spiegel, l'Espresso, MarieClaire, Vanity F.
Awards Isabella has received multiple awards such as World Report Award Documenting Humanity in 2022, 21st Julia Margaret Cameron Award in 2023, ZEKE Award 2024, ISPA Award in 2023 among other.
