Calling all professional and amateur photographers in the ASEAN region who can best "promote the wonders of the diversity of life on earth through their lens."
The Philippines-based ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, in partnership with the German Development Bank (KfW) and the European Union (EU) last Monday launched the 5th
"Zooming in on Biodiversity," an ASEAN-wide photo contest that aims to bring out humanity’s deep relationship with nature.
This year's theme is "Healing with Biodiversity: Building a Better Normal."
"While this year has been challenging for the ASEAN, and the rest of the world, this photo contest hopes to bring out the best of nature and capture the increasing awareness of the people on the crucial importance of biodiversity to public health and the economy," ACB Executive Director Theresa Mundita Lim said.
Lim highlighted the importance of taking into account the value of our biodiversity in the overall efforts to prevent the emergence of outbreaks and pandemics.
"Photographs are powerful visual tools that can spark the people’s appreciation for nature," Lim said.
"We encourage all photographers in the ASEAN to join this exciting competition and promote the wonders of the diversity of life on earth through their lens," she added.
In the contest’s general category, photo submissions should illustrate biodiversity’s role in the time of a global health crisis.
This category has two sub-themes--"A Glimpse of a Better Normal," to show life and nature in the time of lockdowns and restrictions on mobility; and “The Macro Life," to magnify the species that can easily be found in familiar and accessible spaces such as homes and gardens.
Under the special category, "Life Within and Around ASEAN Heritage Parks," submissions must highlight the natural and cultural richness of ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) -- protected areas in the ASEAN region recognised for their outstanding wilderness and biodiversity values.
Photos under this category must be taken in any of the 49 declared AHPs around the ASEAN region.
In the Peoples’ Choice category, a contestant with the highest number of Facebook votes will be selected.
The deadline for submission of all entries is on September 21.
The grand winner of the Zooming in on Biodiversity photo contest will receive US$1,700 as prize, while the second and third prize winners will get US$1200 and US$600, respectively.
Special category and Peoples’ Choice winners will each receive US$400.