ACB and GIZ Invite Photographers to Highlight Biodiversity and Climate Change

 

Laguna, Philippines — The expression "a picture is worth a thousand words" may be an old cliché, but the great power of a photograph to inspire people or move them into action is not.

 

The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and GIZ invite professional and budding photographers to take a shot and make a difference by joining Zooming in on Biodiversity and Climate Change, an ASEAN-wide photography contest.

 

"Through the medium of photography, photographers can help draw attention to the twin issues of biodiversity and climate change, and the need for global action to address these issues," Mr. Rolly A. Inciong, head of ACB’s communication and public affairs unit, said.

 

According to Dr. Berthold Seibert, project director of the ACB-GIZ Biodiversity and Climate Change Project, the crucial relationship between biodiversity and climate is among the least understood, yet one of the most important. "This lack of knowledge often translates to the lack of concern and action. Thus, there is an urgent need to popularize biodiversity and climate change. One effective way is to use the power of photos. By translating these issues into powerful images, we can generate a greater awareness for this often-difficult-to-grasp concepts," he explained.

 

Open to all residents of ASEAN Member States Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam, the contest welcomes entries which are exclusive to the contest, unpublished, and not submitted to previous contests.

 

Entries should capture various images related to biodiversity and climate change. These include photos depicting the tell-tale signs of climate change such as flooding, drought, and forest fires; photos that show the impact of climate change on biodiversity; and photos depicting ways by which people curb climate change.

 

The contest, which forms part of the activities under the ACB-GIZ Biodiversity and Climate Change Project, will run until 31 July 2013 and has three categories: professional, amateur, and student.

 

A total of US$3,800 in cash prizes awaits winners. Their photo entries will also be published in the ASEAN Biodiversity Magazine and other international publications, as well as featured in an exhibit.

 

To download the official entry form and contest mechanics, log on to photocontest.aseanbiodiversity.org.