Mangrove Action Project — a global leader in community-led mangrove conservation — is proud to announce that entries to the 11th annual Mangrove Photography Awards are now open.
Following a landmark 10th edition, with a record-breaking 2,500 entries from 74 countries, the awards are set to be even bigger with a series of new awards, subcategories, prizes, and judges.
Mangroves represent one of our planet's most vital yet threatened ecosystems. The multiple ecosystem services they provide — from provisioning services like fisheries and fuelwood to cultural services like ecotourism and spiritual enrichment, and climate regulation services — are crucial for coastal communities, their wellbeing, and livelihoods.
At the same time, these vibrant forests support countless marine and terrestrial species above and below the waterline — from juvenile lemon sharks to endangered jaguars.
Despite this, global mangrove coverage continues to decline at an alarming rate, with half of the world's mangrove ecosystems at risk of collapse, threatened by pollution, deforestation, coastal development, and the impacts of climate change.
To catalyze conservation and restoration efforts while celebrating what makes these ecosystems special, the Mangrove Photography Awards serves as a storytelling platform for sharing stories of mangroves, their wildlife, and the people whose lives depend on these delicate ecosystems.
Leo Thom, founder and chair of the Mangrove Photography Awards invites you to share the wonderful world of mangroves. “Photography has the power to ignite an emotional connection, spark curiosity, and inspire meaningful action. By contributing your image to the awards, you are raising your voice for the protection and preservation of one of our planet’s most essential yet often overlooked habitats.”
An expanded format for 2025
For its 11th edition, the Mangrove Photography Awards features an expanded format, reflecting the rich diversity of mangrove environments and the communities that depend on them. For three of the six main categories – Wildlife, People, Landscape, Threats, Underwater, and Conservation Stories – photographers can now enter specialized subcategories to allow for more focused storytelling:
● Wildlife: Birds, Mammals, Other Species
● Landscape: From the Air, On the Ground, Black and White
● People: Livelihoods, Conservation and Restoration
This year also features two new awards — The Emirates Award and the Arabian Gulf Award — in partnership with the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) to celebrate photographers and conservation efforts in the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region.
The Mangrove Photography Awards are judged by experts in the field who are passionate about merging photography with storytelling. This year's panel includes Chien Lee, renowned rainforest photographer and conservation advocate; Tanya Houppermans, award-winning underwater photographer and marine conservationist; and Shin Arunrugstichai, National Geographic Explorer and marine biologist-turned-photographer.
Shin Arunrugstichai believes that the Mangrove Photography Awards is an important platform to showcase images and stories to a global audience. “Especially for emerging photographers, there aren’t many outlets where the work that resulted from your efforts and dedication can be seen by peers and larger audiences. More than the immense importance to marine and coastal biodiversity, we as humans rely on the health of mangrove ecosystems for our future. It is never more important than now to connect people to nature during this climate crisis.”
The competition is open to photographers of all backgrounds, ages, and skill levels. A winner — to receive a $500 cash prize – will be selected for each category, with one exceptional photographer crowned Mangrove Photographer of the Year, receiving a cash prize of $750.
Photographers under 23 years of age are eligible for the Young Mangrove Photographer of the Year award and a $250 cash prize.
Winners will be revealed on July 26 — World Mangrove Day — before the People’s Choice Award, voted for on social media, takes place in August.
The Mangrove Photography Awards are free to enter. Entries close 19 May, 2025.
You can submit your images here.