Originally from Marseille, France, Tardieu fell in love with the Philippines during a trip with his wife, Christina Tardieu, in the 1990s. In 2011, the couple moved to the abandoned island of Pangatalan in the Palawan archipelago. For two years, they lived like Robinson Crusoe on the tiny island, sleeping in a tent by the lagoon without running water or electricity.
While the couple at first wanted to simply build a home on the island, their mission soon evolved to rehabilitating the island’s ecosystem – from planting trees, cleaning up the beach and restoring its mangroves.
The foundation was started in 2012, and over time, its work expanded to include restoring the marine ecosystem which had been primarily damaged by dynamite fishing and coral bleaching. The organisation also works towards restoring fish populations and helping local fishermen develop sustainable fishing practices.
Spending time on the island gave Tardieu a profound appreciation for the ocean. Back in Marseille, he had practiced free diving and spearfishing for years, finding serenity in the depths of the seas. While living on Pangatalan, he often reflected, “How can I give back to the ocean for all the great moments it has given me? What can I do within my power to make a difference?”