The H2O The Nature of Water international photography competition is a celebration of water in all its forms and meanings. Organized by the Reserves of the Po Delta, Po Grande, and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, this competition seeks to highlight the crucial role water plays in our ecosystems, cultures, and lives. This initiative, under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program, invites photographers from around the globe to explore the profound significance of water through their lenses.
Spanning six unique categories, the competition calls for imagery that captures the essence of water—whether as a natural force, a resource for human activity, or a symbol of climate change. From serene landscapes to human interactions, the themes aim to inspire diverse interpretations. The competition welcomes submissions from both amateur and professional photographers, offering a platform to showcase their talent on an international stage.
Entries will be judged by a distinguished jury, with the winning photographs becoming part of a traveling exhibition to promote UNESCO’s MAB program and its mission of sustainable development. Photographers will compete for over €6,000 in prizes, including photographic equipment and other exclusive rewards. Participation is free, making it accessible to anyone passionate about photography and environmental awareness. The H2O The Nature of Water runs from December 20, 2024, to March 30, 2025, with winners announced during an awards ceremony on April 19, 2025.
The H2O The Nature of Water 2024 prizes
Prizes for the H2O The Nature of Water competition underscore its commitment to rewarding excellence in photography. With over €6,000 in total prizes, winners across six categories will receive high-quality photographic equipment, local products, and books. Special prizes include distinctions for wildlife, reportage, portrait, black-and-white, and the best photographs representing specific Biosphere Reserves. In addition, a Public Award will be determined through online voting, adding an interactive element to the competition.The content of these rewards has not been specified in the regulations.
All winning images will be featured in a traveling exhibition inaugurated at the awards ceremony in Comacchio, Italy. This exhibition will serve as a cultural and educational initiative, spreading awareness about the importance of water and the UNESCO MAB mission.
The categories of the H2O The Nature of Water
The H2O The Nature of Water competition offers a rich and diverse exploration of water’s significance through six thoughtfully curated categories. Each category is designed to inspire photographers to capture unique perspectives on water’s presence and impact in our world. These themes allow participants to tell powerful visual stories.
Here are the six categories available to participants:
- H2O and…Nature of Emilia Romagna
This category highlights the natural world within the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, Po Delta, and Po Grande Biosphere Reserves. Photographers can submit images of animals, plants, and environments, provided they exclude any human presence or man-made elements. The water element, in any form—be it rain, fog, or ice—must be present, though not necessarily the central focus. - H2O and…Nature
Expanding beyond Emilia Romagna, this category invites photographs of natural life from anywhere in the world, with special emphasis on the 738 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves across 134 countries. Similar to the previous category, images must exclude human-made structures and focus on nature’s beauty with water subtly integrated into the scene. - H2O and…People of Emilia Romagna
Focusing on human activities and their relationship with water, this category celebrates moments like a fisherman casting a net, children playing by a fountain, or workers irrigating fields. Entries must be captured within the three promoting Biosphere Reserves and include the presence of water in some form. - H2O and…People
This category mirrors the previous one but broadens its scope to include images from any location worldwide. Whether documenting cultural rituals or personal interactions with water, this theme seeks to highlight humanity’s deep connection to this essential resource. - H2O and…Climate Change in Emilia Romagna
A powerful category focused on illustrating water’s role in the ongoing climate crisis. Entries can showcase innovations like renewable energy, extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, or any other water-related impacts in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, Po Delta, and Po Grande Biosphere Reserves. - H2O and…Climate Change
Building on the theme of climate change, this category expands globally to emphasize water’s role in addressing or being affected by climate challenges. Submissions can spotlight anything from extreme natural disasters to sustainable solutions implemented worldwide.
Each of these categories os the H2O The Nature of Water is an opportunity for photographers to explore water’s transformative power and its relationship with the environment, humanity, and global challenges.
H2O The Nature of Water dates and entry fees
- Competition Start: December 20, 2024
- Submission Deadline: March 30, 2025
- Jury Meeting: April 5, 2025
- Award Ceremony: April 19, 2025
How to Enter
Participation is simple and free. Photographers can submit their entries through the competition’s official website. Each participant may upload up to three images per category, for a total of 18 submissions. Photos must adhere to specific technical requirements, such as a minimum resolution of 2500px on the longest side and a file size under 2 MB.
About the Jury
The H2O The Nature of Water competition will be judged by a distinguished panel of experts, including photographers, journalists, and biodiversity specialists. The jury is chaired by Milko Marchetti, a professional photographer known for his stunning depictions of nature and biodiversity. Other members include representatives from the Po Delta Park, journalists, and communication specialists. The jury will evaluate submissions based on visual impact, composition, originality, and the ability to convey a powerful message.
Why Enter the H2O The Nature of Water 2024?
The H2O The Nature of Water competition offers photographers the chance to showcase their work on a global stage while supporting a vital cause. Being a free photography competition that focuses on meaningful themes like biodiversity and climate change, and offering valuable prizes—including a traveling exhibition—this contest is perfect for photographers passionate about storytelling and environmental advocacy. Winning entries will gain professional validation and international exposure, making it an opportunity too impactful to miss.
This competition is an incredible opportunity for photographers to engage with one of the world’s most vital resources—water—through their art. For more opportunities like this, visit our curated list of best photography contests online and share your creative vision.
For more information and to enter the competition, visit: the oficial website.
