The Poitevin Marsh, 2009
As a wetland of exceptional interest (the second in France) and an inhabited productive territory, the Marais Poitevin, located between Niort and the Atlantic Ocean, is the focus of many contradictory interests. Between nature and the economy, where is the limit threshold not to be exceeded in order not to endanger this territory?
The threats of environmental degradation, economic decline, disruption of water management, etc. are fundamental issues that must be controlled. The balance of the Marais Poitou is only guaranteed through a global strategy of sustainable development and exemplary protection.
Since 2002, the mixed union of the Parc Interrégional du Marais Poitevin has been working on a labelling process for the Parc Naturel Régional du Marais Poitevin.
The stakes are vital for the environment and the local economy, but the government is still blocking the classification of the Marais Poitou as a Regional Natural Park….
Between 2008 and 2009, Claude Pauquet was in residence in the Marais Poitou, at the invitation of the Park. He chose as the title of his work “What colour for the Marais? “, to say the color, that it is retained, that we do not leave in postcard chromos.
The photographer’s main question revolved around how to approach the Marais, this landscape born from the sea, by going beyond the tourist imagery linked to the “Green Venice”; how to penetrate this territory and which routes, which crossing to undertake? Portraits of encounters follow the landscapes.
The work was done in the large format camera.
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