Locusts & Men

• Prize
• Photographer
  Michele Martinelli, Italy

Oppression, interaction, collaboration.
In the life cycle of nature nothing is lost, but the coexistence of
different species is sometimes difficult.
In Madagascar periodically returns the archaic antagonism between
man and migratory locust, in a circle of life where the two species look
for space and food for their survival.
Accomplice deforestation, cropland are objective of swarms of locusts
flying covering billions skies and vegetation, destroying agricultural
production, human labor, grazing cattle, with the risk of causing
serious famine to the population.
Their survival instinct is the nourishment they need to live.
"By virtue of necessity," says a proverb, and the people of Madagascar
to replenish the limited menu captures the same locusts employing
hands and networks trapping enough for many meals discreetly
nutrients.
The event is seen with concern, but also in playful harmony with
nature on the one hand and takes away from the other offers.
Women and girls in the fields forward in the midst of whirling swarms
of locusts, and expertly run and spread nets trying to grab prey, men
follow them easily with heavy sacks on their shoulders, until the
spectacular natural event does not turn at the end.

• Awards
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