A harmony deep within

An ocean. And a forest. It might seem that when two such forces of

nature

meet, one overwhelms the other. However, the opposite is true. When

oceans

and

forests

meet, their worlds mingle and merge together in extraordinary

harmony

.

The balance achieved between these elements then creates a stunning panorama of life. Submerged forests feature the world’s greatest

biodiversity

, each layer blossoming with living beings, from bacteria and phytoplankton, fish and worms, all sheltered within wet woods, to shorebirds and migratory flocks nestled in

branches

and over-ground roots, to animals, from tiny tree-climbing crabs to mighty tigers, hiding and prowling in the sediments and sands, the thick foliage of a submerged forest.

The amazing biodiversity of such sunken jungles then becomes a marvel of science itself. At its tiniest level, the bacteria it shelters rejuvenates an entire submerged forest, breaking down leaves and branches in water and releasing their nutrients into this ecosystem.



Underwater plants like kelp sequester about 20 times as much carbon dioxide as terrestrial forests while the complex root systems of these wildernesses collect the sediments carried in by tides, guarding the ground firmly against erosion. As Times Evoke’s global experts explain, even an ancient submerged forest, over 50,000 years old, holds within it answers to medicines humanity needs. Significantly, such scientific miracles come with an astonishing aesthetic world.



The depths and shallows of underwater forests throb with beautiful, vibrant forms of life, its strata and dimensions nature’s palaces of shadows and light. Times Evoke presents glimpses from three kinds of submerged forests — mangroves, kelp and ancient cypress. It is from these wonders that we can learn about nature’s tapestry of life, and how we can fit more harmoniously in this. Our attempts at overwhelming nature are causing the destruction of multiple ecosystems, including submerged forests. It is imperative that we now adopt harmony — and awe — towards nature, crucial for the well-being of our home, the Earth.



This is also crucial for our own well-being, for by emulating the harmony of an ocean meeting a forest can we perhaps discover a new consciousness, submerged deep within us.