The oceans are essential to food security and the health and survival of all life, power our climate and are a critical part of the biosphere. In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly decided that, as from 2009, 8 June would be designated by the United Nations as “World Oceans Day” (resolution 63/111, paragraph 171). The UN designation of World Oceans Day is an opportunity to raise global awareness of the current challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans, and be part of the solutions.
Photography is a powerful medium of expression that can be used to communicate strong positive messages about a subject. This open and free photo contest seeks to inspire the creation and dissemination of such positive imagery, which conveys the beauty and importance of the ocean. The competition was launched at the initiative of the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations, in cooperation with several international partners including the OA-ICC.
All entries must be submitted by May 22, 2015 at 5pm Eastern Standard Time (EST)!
This second edition of the photo contest comprises five thematic categories that are open for photographic submissions:
- Underwater Seascapes
- Underwater Life
- Above Water Seascapes
- Humans Interaction: Taking Action on Climate Change and Ocean Acidification
- Youth: open category, any image of the ocean – below or above the surface – photographed by a young person under age 16 (as of 1 April 2015)
The entries must portray a positive theme and be submitted electronically through the World Oceans Day Photo Contest portal in accordance with the contest guidelines and subject to the contest rules.
Winning images will be recognized at a special World Oceans Day event at the United Nations on Monday June 8, 2015. We will recognize and widely share the winning images, and perhaps some top runner-ups, through the contest website, with the media, and through the information materials related to subsequent contests. Pending the securing of sponsors, material or cash prizes may be awarded.
