This East African photography competition, initiated to raise awareness about environmental conservation, began on July 28 and will continue until September 15, 2023, when the winners will be awarded.
The competition invites participation from individuals across Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Ethiopia and Tanzania. The theme for this year’s competition is “Drought in Focus,” reflecting a critical environmental issue that affects many African countries. Participants are challenged to capture images that portray the impact of drought or solutions used to combat it.
This theme was chosen in recognition of the severe consequences of drought, particularly in agriculture-dependent communities, where it has led to reduced crop yields, livestock losses, and food insecurity.
The Safal Eye in the Wild competition aims to use the visual impact of photography to tell powerful stories about human-caused challenges like deforestation and encroachment on water catchment areas. George Arodi, the head of Business at Uganda Baati, emphasized that the campaign seeks to spark conversations and drive climate action in communities.
The competition is also supported by the National Forestry Authority (NFA), symbolizing a significant partnership for environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The NFA is engaged in a campaign to increase forest cover in Uganda, reversing the ex- tensive deforestation that has occurred since 1990. This partnership under- scores a shared dedication to addressing pressing environmental issues.
Tom Rukundo, the commissioner of Environment Impact Assessment at NFA, expressed gratitude to Uganda Baati for their efforts and applauded their proactive steps in addressing drought and environmental conservation. The competition is open to both professional and amateur photographers, and the judges are encouraging creativity, originality, and emotional impact in submissions.
Prizes for the winners include $ 5,000 for the gold award, $ 3,000 for the silver award, and $ 2,000 for the bronze award, along with other cash prizes and gifts for outstanding entries. The Safal Eye in the Wild competition represents a creative and impactful initiative to engage the public in environmental awareness and action.
By focusing on the urgent issue of drought, it provides a platform for individuals to contribute to broader discussions and solutions for one of today’s most pressing challenges.
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