{"id":32802,"date":"2025-06-30T11:01:32","date_gmt":"2025-06-30T09:01:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/?p=32802"},"modified":"2025-08-04T09:24:39","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T07:24:39","slug":"join-our-photo-contest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/news\/join-our-photo-contest\/","title":{"rendered":"Join our photo contest and show us how the Adriatic looks through your eyes!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

During the warmer months, we tend to spend more time outdoors \u2013 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If we just pause for a moment and take in the world around us, nature often rewards us with breathtaking scenes \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"mora-i-oceane\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

But we are living in a time of profound change in nature \u2013 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<\/strong> and pollution<\/strong>, biodiversity loss<\/strong> is one of the most urgent crises facing our planet, with potentially devastating consequences for our health and survival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature\u2019s Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN), more than 47,000 species are at risk of extinction<\/strong>. That\u2019s 28% of all species assessed on Earth<\/strong>. Today, protecting biodiversity is not a choice \u2013 it\u2019s a necessity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Interreg project ASPEH\u2013 Adriatic SPEcies and Habitats of coastal areas<\/a> 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\u2019s where you come in \u2013 with your camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Help us showcase the beauty and fragility of our shared sea. Inspire others. Remind everyone why every species counts and why every habitat matters<\/strong> \u2013 and win great prizes<\/strong> in the process!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take part in the \u201cAdriatic treasures\u201d photo contest!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do you have a photo that captures the treasures of the Adriatic Sea? Submit it to the \u201cAdriatic treasures\u201d photo contest<\/strong>, 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, the top three entries will receive valuable prize packages! Prize details will be revealed soon \u2013 but trust us, nature and photography lovers will be in for a treat!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can submit entries to one or both categories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Capture a moment that says more than words \u2013 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adriatic wildlife<\/strong>
Focusing on the Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta<\/em>), Ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca<\/em>), and Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus<\/em>). Show us these species in their natural habitats!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Author: Goran \u0160afarek<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Torre Guaceto<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Canva<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Adriatic habitats<\/strong>
Focusing on Posidonia seagrass meadows (Posidonia oceanica<\/em>), muddy and sandy seabeds that are not covered by the sea at low tide, and\u00a0submerged or partially submerged sea caves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Source: PI for the Management of Protected Natural Areas of Dubrovnik-Neretva County<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Source: PI SEA AND KARST<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photographs that depict the three listed species and\/or habitats<\/strong> will be given priority when selecting prize winners.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Submission guidelines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To enter the contest, please follow these conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n