Christophe Chellapermal is an artist, photographer, videographer, ecologist and explorer who has lived in the United Arab Emirates since 1986. Growing up in the region, his education and early experiences in the UAE fostered a profound connection with nature—particularly the ocean. Over the past 35 years, this passion has evolved into a lifelong commitment, including a professional diving career spanning more than two decades.

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From 2004 to 2017, Christophe founded and operated two highly regarded dive centers under the name Nomad Ocean Adventures. These centers offered unique diving experiences across the UAE and Oman, allowing him to develop extensive knowledge of local marine ecosystems while building strong relationships with regional communities and cultures.

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Since 2017, his focus has shifted toward underwater photography and marine conservation journalism. As editor-in-chief of scuba-people.com, a leading digital magazine, Christophe shares powerful visual narratives that celebrate marine life while raising awareness of critical environmental issues.

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His work addresses the growing threats of marine pollution, including new forms of waste linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. In recognition of his commitment, he was awarded an international prize in 2020 in the Marine Conservation category at the Ocean Art Awards.

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In 2024, Christophe partnered with the Pure Ocean Foundation and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi to present Living Colors for Pure Ocean, a photo exhibition unveiled during the announcement of the future Ocean Institute.

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In 2025, his project Heart of the Ocean was selected as part of the official photographic exhibition in the Green Zone at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice. The series received recognition from UAE government officials for its compelling portrayal of marine restoration and conservation efforts.

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Deeply committed to education and advocacy, Christophe seeks to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards. Through his photography, writing, and fieldwork, he encourages young people to explore marine science, engage in conservation, and become active voices for protecting the world’s oceans.

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His video work includes contributions to environmental documentaries, such as a film on the endangered Ganges River dolphin in Nepal—a project that further exposed the global reach of plastic pollution, from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean.

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Christophe proudly serves as an ambassador for Sea People, an Indonesian NGO dedicated to coral reef restoration. The organization supports, trains, and funds local sea gardeners to preserve and protect reef ecosystems across the Coral Triangle.