The Promenade du Larvotto witnessed the grand opening of the third edition of the Environmental Photography Award exhibition on June 1st. As the event unfolded, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (FPA2) took the opportunity to reveal the esteemed winners for 2023.
Table of Contents
Fight to the Death
Jasper Doest, a young Dutch photographer, has been awarded the prestigious 2023 Environmental Photographer of the Year Award for his striking photograph titled “Fight to the Death”
As a result, Doest will receive a total prize of €6,500, as well as a trip to Ecuador to visit the SEK International University research base located in the Amazon rainforest.
The award-winning photograph titled “Fight to the Death” captures the distressing scene of an elephant struggling for its life after being hit by a train carrying manganese in Gabon’s Lopé National Park, located between Moanda and Libreville. The image depicts the elephant with a broken hip beyond repair, unable to be saved. Following its tragic death, the park manager took appropriate measures to ensure that the elephant’s meat was distributed to the local community.
Despite frequent train accidents occurring in Lopé National Park and the Director’s efforts to identify potential conflict zones, the railway company has failed to take action and continues to disregard the dangers posed by trains traveling at high speeds through the park.
“When I recall this macabre scene along the railway line, I am haunted not only by the tragedy that occurred, because the elephant had to be put down after the accident, but above all by the story of human greed that underpins it – the railway line that runs through the national park is used primarily to transport high-value ore,” Jasper Doest said.
Other awards
“Agents of change, bearers of hope” category
To clarify, the method of elephant relocation depicted in the photograph may indeed appear distressing and concerning to some viewers. A group of elephants being transferred from Liwonde National Park to Kasungu National Park in Malawi, under the watchful eye of experienced conservation specialists. While the method used to transfer the elephants may appear shocking to some.
“Marine Worlds” category
California sea lions in Espiritu Santo National Park, Mexico, are fortunate to enjoy protected status within a no-fishing zone. This provides a safe and rich environment for these marine mammals, with an abundance of food and reduced human activity helping to maintain a stable population. However, despite these protective measures, climate change remains a significant threat to sea lions and their habitat.
“In the heart of the forest” category
The photographer managed to capture a stunning moment in the Himalayas, where a snowstorm was taking place at an altitude of 4,267m. As the snow swirled around, a flock of Grandala birds flew across the landscape, offering a breathtaking view of their synchronized flight, commonly referred to as ‘murmuration’.
“Polar Wonders” category
The photograph depicts a little-known gelatinous organism that inhabits the depths of our oceans, including deep and polar waters. This elusive creature is not well-known to many people, but it plays an important role in the marine ecosystem as a food source for other marine creatures and as a contributor to the overall health and balance of our oceans.
