This year marks the third annual Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) Canada Photo Contest, which aims to share the importance of Canada’s natural beauty, and the urgency to protect it.
The contest is based out of BC, but focuses on conservancy in regions all across Canada. This photo contest was started as a way to share some lesser-known landscapes, flora and fauna that can be found throughout the country.
This year, Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024, and BC’s own Shane Gross will be joining the judges panel to help select the winners in each category.
Gross came to worldwide recognition with his photograph titled “The Swarm of Life,” which earned him one of the world’s highest accolades in natural photography.
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“Images have the power to move people, and that’s exactly what this contest is about,” said Gross.
“Key Biodiversity Areas are some of the most important places in Canada for biodiversity, and I’m honoured to help shine a light on the species and ecosystems that depend on them.”
The KBA Canada Photo Contest is open to photographers of all experience levels, and submissions will be open until October 10th. Winners announced October 30th.
The only stipulation is that all photos must be taken in a designated KBA, or feature species/ecosystems that are in the process of being recognized through the KBA program.
Find out more specifics about KBAs here.
The contest categories are as follows:
- Fauna – elusive predators to tiny pollinators
- Flora and fungi – showcase the textures, colours and shapes of plants and fungi
- Landscapes and ecosystems – show the character and vastness of Canada’s KBAs
- People and conservation – people connecting with nature or working to protect KBAs
“We launched this contest to inspire Canadians to explore and appreciate KBAs,” said Peter Soroye, Key Biodiversity Areas Assessment and Outreach Coordinator at WCS Canada.
“Photography brings these places to life and reminds us of what’s at stake in the fight to protect biodiversity. With Shane joining the judging panel, this year’s contest will be our most exciting yet.”
To enter the contest, or view the contest details, rules and submission guidelines, click here.
See some examples of past winners below:
