Zooming in on Biodiversity: An Asean-wide photo contest

Under the theme, “Healing with Biodiversity: Building a Better Normal,” the photo competition’s fifth staging is open to all amateur and professional photographers in the ASEAN region.

“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.

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.

The ACB is an intergovernmental organisation facilitating cooperation among the 10 ASEAN Member States in conserving and sustainably managing biodiversity ecosystems in the Region.

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”, on the other hand, submissions must highlight the natural and cultural richness of ASEAN Heritage Parks –– 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.

The AHP Programme is a flagship initiative by the ASEAN, supported by various partners such as KfW and the EU. Ongoing conservation and livelihood projects in selected AHPs include the Small Grants Programme and the Biodiversity Conservation and Management of Protected Areas in ASEAN (BCAMP) project.

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 21 September 2020.

The grand winner of the Zooming in on Biodiversity photo contest will receive a prize worth USD 1700 while the second and third prize winners will get USD 1200 and USD 600, respectively. Special Category and Peoples’ Choice winners will each receive USD 400.

“Photographs are powerful visual tools that can spark the people’s appreciation for nature,” said Lim. “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.”

To know more about Zooming in on Biodiversity, log on to www.aseanbiodiversity.org/zoomingin.