The Nature Conservancy Announces Their Photo Contest Winners Of 2021 (20 Pics)

The people from the Nature Conservancy gave an exclusive interview to Bored Panda about the awards:

"The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and over 400 scientists, we impact conservation in 76 countries and territories: 37 by direct conservation impact and 39 through partners. Our first Global contest was in 2017, but the contest has been running for more than 10 years!

Our mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. To achieve this, we must boldly address the biodiversity and climate crises over the next decade. By maximizing our ability to affect change between now and 2030, we can shape a brighter future for people and our planet."

"Each iteration of our Global Photo Contest has brought forth some incredible images. This year was no different. We saw stunning photography from all over the world. As we begin to review the images, it’s obvious which ones are going to rise to the top. What made this year special was that so many were rising to that finalist level—each day we were blown away with new and incredible photography and we quickly began to realize choosing our winners would not be easy. In the end we received over 100,000 entries from 158 countries!"

"It was noticeable that many of the photographers were trying to show us more than just a stunning image. It’s one thing to read about the climate crisis; pollution; the pandemic; or drought; but seeing it through the eyes of photographers who are living with these issues daily really drives home the need for awareness and action. These photographers aren’t just out there trying to make a great image—they’re trying to educate us and change minds."

"Overall, our judging process is simple. Each image entered is reviewed by a moderator to ensure that it is compliant with our rules. Every day during the contest entry period, a judge reviews the incoming images and graduates the ones that stand out to the next level of judging. After the entry period ends, all our judges come together (this year virtually) and review the finalists. We slowly go back and forth between our favorites and come to a consensus on our overall winners. This year we were fortunate to include singer/songwriter/photographer Ben Folds to help us in choosing our Grand Prize winner."

"Becoming a member of The Nature Conservancy helps us continue our global efforts to conserve land and water. As a member, you’ll receive our award-winning magazine full of incredible photography and storytelling! The Spring 2022 issue will feature the winners of our 2021 Global Photo Contest. You may find a link to become a member here! And you may find our award-winning magazine here."