During the warmer months, we tend to spend more time outdoors – and with good reason. No TV show, movie, air-conditioned room, or endless social media scrolling can compare to how we feel when we arrive at the beach, dive into the sea, sit beneath a pine tree, or simply said, step into nature. And it’s no wonder because science has shown that spending time outside can significantly improve both physical and mental health, from boosting the immune system and improving sleep, to reducing the risk of respiratory issues and relieving stress.
If we just pause for a moment and take in the world around us, nature often rewards us with breathtaking scenes – moments that deserve to be preserved. For many nature lovers, capturing these fleeting moments through the lens is both a challenge and a deep source of joy.
But we are living in a time of profound change in nature – from the spread of invasive species and the decline in fish populations, to the disappearance of plants and animals we remember from our childhood. Alongside climate change and pollution, biodiversity loss is one of the most urgent crises facing our planet, with potentially devastating consequences for our health and survival.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN), more than 47,000 species are at risk of extinction. That’s 28% of all species assessed on Earth. Today, protecting biodiversity is not a choice – it’s a necessity.
The Interreg project ASPEH– Adriatic SPEcies and Habitats of coastal areas is part of broader efforts to preserve nature. How? By reducing pressure on biodiversity and developing shared tools and strategies to protect three key species and three valuable marine habitats in the Adriatic Sea. We believe that preserving nature is only possible if we act together. That’s where you come in – with your camera.
Help us showcase the beauty and fragility of our shared sea. Inspire others. Remind everyone why every species counts and why every habitat matters – and win great prizes in the process!
Take part in the “Adriatic treasures” photo contest!
Do you have a photo that captures the treasures of the Adriatic Sea? Submit it to the “Adriatic treasures” photo contest, launched as part of the ASPEH project, and show us the species and habitats that make our sea so unique. Send us your best shots and earn the chance to have them seen by the international scientific and expert community at upcoming ASPEH events!
In addition, the top three entries will receive valuable prize packages! Prize details will be revealed soon – but trust us, nature and photography lovers will be in for a treat!
You can submit entries to one or both categories
Capture a moment that says more than words – choose the theme that speaks to you most or explore both and show us your unique view of the Adriatic. Submissions are open in the following categories:
Adriatic wildlife
Focusing on the Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), Ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca), and Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus). Show us these species in their natural habitats!
Adriatic habitats
Focusing on Posidonia seagrass meadows (Posidonia oceanica), muddy and sandy seabeds that are not covered by the sea at low tide or submerged or partially submerged sea caves.
Photographs that depict the three listed species and/or habitats will be given priority when selecting prize winners.
Submission guidelines
To enter the contest, please follow these conditions.
- A maximum of 5 original photographs per participant.
- Photos must be in JPEG/JPG format, with a minimum resolution of 3000 pixels on the longer side.
- Images must not have been previously published or awarded in other contests.
- Each file name must include the author’s full name and the title of the photo (e.g., Ivo Ivic_Blue cave and its inhabitants.jpg).
- By submitting your photos, you confirm that you are the original author and grant permission for the photos to be used for project promotion purposes, with proper credit.
Who can participate?
The contest is open to all nature lovers, photography enthusiasts – both professionals and amateurs. There are no geographic restrictions – if you have a camera and love the Adriatic, you’re welcome to join!
Submit your entry via Google Form.
Deadline for submission
Send us your work by August 31, 2025. Photos submitted after the deadline, or those not meeting the contest requirements and theme, will not be considered.
Authors of selected photos will be notified via email. Finalists and winners will be announced in September 2025.
Additional Notes
• Photos must respect ethical guidelines for wildlife photography and comply with species and habitat protection laws. Do not disturb the animals or disrupt their habitats.
• By submitting, you confirm that you are the author of the photo and hold all copyright.
• Selected photos may be used (with credit to the author) in ASPEH project communication and promotional activities (such as exhibitions, social media, reports, and similar materials).
Share your vision. Inspire conservation.
Follow the contest on Sunce’s Facebook and Instagram pages, and on the official ASPEH project Facebook page!
The contest is organized as part of the ASPEH project – Adriatic SPEcies and Habitats of coastal areas, funded by the Interreg Italy–Croatia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2021–2027. The project aims to preserve the Adriatic’s biodiversity through shared tools and strategies for protecting key species and habitats, and by improving management of Natura 2000 sites. It promotes cross-border cooperation between Italy and Croatia to protect the ecological integrity of the Adriatic Sea and ensure the long-term sustainable development of this precious region. The project is co-financed by the European Union and the Office for Cooperation with NGOs of the Government of the Republic of Croatia. The views expressed in this call are the sole responsibility of the ASPEH project and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Office for Cooperation with NGOs.
