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 are inviting professional and budding photographers from ASEAN countries to use the power of photography to promote awareness of biodiversity and climate change.

Among environmental issues and concerns, the crucial relationship between biodiversity and climate is among the least understood, yet one of the most important.

The relationship between biodiversity and climate change is a two-way street. While climate change is a driver of biodiversity loss, the deterioration of habitats and loss of biodiversity also worsen climate change. Deforestation, for example, is currently estimated to be 20 percent of all human-induced CO2 emissions.

Citizens of the ASEAN region are therefore encouraged to take part in efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Fighting global warming and its impacts is a shared responsibility among all people who stand to lose so much – the planet and its various natural treasures that sustain humans’ very existence.

Unfortunately, only a small fraction of the global population, mostly scientists and environmentalists, understands the relationship between biodiversity and climate change, and the impact of these issues in humankind’s survival. This lack of knowledge often translates to the lack of concern.

Thus, there is an urgent need to popularize the link between biodiversity and climate change. One effective way to accomplish this is to use the power of photos.

Open to residents of Asean Countries:
Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam.

The contest categories are:
a. Professional – Photographers who derive income from the sale of photographs or provision of photographic services
b. Amateur – Budding photographers (25 years old and above)
c. Student – Students (16 to 24 years old)