PRESS
ENQUIRIES

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Friday 2nd December 2022: Nikon, CIWEM, WaterBear, and Arup, are pleased to announce the winners of the 2022 Environmental Photographer of the Year competition. Now in its 15th year, the annual competition showcases some of the world’s most inspirational environmental photography, providing an international platform to raise awareness for the issues that put our planet at risk.

Photographer, Mehdi Mohebi Pour, has been awarded the highly coveted prize of Environmental Photographer of the Year, for his powerful image titled ‘The Bitter Death of Birds’ (2021). The photograph depicts just three of the thousands of birds that died in the Miankaleh Lagoon, Iran, due to lack of water and contamination, and the efforts of environmental workers to collect the bodies to prevent the spread of disease. The winning photograph was chosen for its surreal portrayal of the circular nature of life between humans and wildlife.

Mehdi Mohebi Pour says: “It means the world to have won this prestigious award, as photographing the climate and showcasing the damage being caused is my biggest priority in life. I want people around the world to know about the sad event of the death of the birds in Iran, as if we do not reconsider our lifestyle and take care of the planet, this will soon happen in other countries.”

The competition also celebrates the photographers of the future. 16-year-old Fayz Khan won the Young Environmental Photographer of the Year award, for his captivating image, ‘Beautiful but Hostile Colours on Earth’ (2022). The photograph shows lesser flamingos flying over Lake Magadi and Lake Natron in Kenya, bodies of water which they feed off, but are severely alkaline and toxic to most other forms of plant and animal life. The photo has been praised for being classical and well-composed, whilst also highlighting the untold effects of the climate crisis in the Rift Valley.

Stefan Maier, General Manager Marketing, Nikon Europe: “We are thrilled that Fayz Kahn has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Young Environmental Winner of the Year award. Nikon has been behind some of the most important stories told through photography over the last century, and we’re delighted to support such a young talent as he contributes to the impact photography will continue to have in the future and hones his photography skills.”

This year, an international jury panel, including Nikon Ambassador and activist Roie Galitz, and environmental and human-rights photographer Matilde Gattoni, received entries from over 120 territories around the world. This ranged from amateur and professional photographers of all ages, from seven to 90 years old. This year’s competition also introduced an ethics panel to improve accountability and transparency in photo selection. Following a thorough screening process, the panel reviewed photos that raised any ethical concerns and requested additional information from photographers where necessary, to help them make an informed decision.

To learn more about this year’s Environmental Photographer of the Year winners, visit www.epoty.org.

The full list of the winning photographs and winners of this year’s competition are:

      ● Environmental Photographer of the Year: The Bitter Death of Birds, Mehdi Mohebi Pour, 2021

      ● Young Environmental Photographer of the Year - Nikon Award: Beautiful but Hostile Colours on Earth, Fayz Khan, 2022

      ● Vision of the Future: Vertical Farming, Arie Basuki, 2022

      ● Recovering Nature: Naturalia: Chronicle Of Contemporary Ruins, Jonathan "Jonk" Jimenez, 2021

      ● Keeping 1.5 Alive: Chemical Explosion, Subrata Dey, 2022

      ● Adapting for Tomorrow: New Ways to the Future (III), Simone Tramonte, 2021

About Nikon

Nikon is a world-leading provider of imaging products and services. Its innovative optics technology—from consumer and professional cameras to lenses, system accessories, and sport and recreational optics —is powered by over 100 years of experience. The brand is globally recognised for setting new standards in design and performance, with Nikon’s revolutionary Z series mirrorless cameras and NIKKOR Z lenses representing a new dimension of optical performance.

Nikon is committed to leading imaging culture and enables some of the world’s best visual artists to reach their creative potential through visual storytelling. Its award-winning photographic equipment empowers photographers and videographers to realise their creative vision at the highest level. Its award-winning sport and recreational optics bring the world closer for pursuits ranging from birdwatching and stargazing to theatre, golf, and travel. As a trusted visionary partner, Nikon unites all levels of content creators through its engaged community, unrivalled technical expertise, and access to educational resources, via initiatives such as The Nikon School.

About CIWEM

The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) is a Royal Chartered independent professional body and a registered charity in the United Kingdom working internationally to advance the practice of water and environmental management. CIWEM represents a community of 30,000 professionals with a shared vision for a safe and sustainable world. For more information, visit: https://www.ciwem.org/

About WaterBear

WaterBear is a ground-breaking streaming platform showcasing award-winning documentaries as well as original content - spanning biodiversity, community, climate action and sustainable fashion. WaterBear members can stream video at any time, and on any device, all for free, as well as take direct instant action to support NGOs around the world and shape a better future for our fragile planet. For more information about WaterBear and to sign up, please visit: https://www.waterbear.com/

About Arup

Dedicated to sustainable development, Arup is a collective of advisors and experts working across 140 countries. Founded to be both humane and excellent, we collaborate with our clients and partners using imagination, technology and rigor to shape a better world. For more information visit: https://www.arup.com/