The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) is organising its 17th annual photo contest, focusing on images that showcase agricultural technologies and practices that help mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce pressure on natural resources. The theme for this year's contest is 'Regenerating agri-ecosystems, lowering global boiling,' highlighting the importance of agriculture in combating climate change.
SEARCA Director Dr. Glenn Gregorio emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, referencing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' statement that we are no longer in the era of global warming but are now experiencing "global boiling." Guterres used this term to call for immediate action to reverse the alarming trend.
The photo contest is open to both professional and amateur photographers from the Philippines and several Southeast Asian countries, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. Participants are allowed to submit unlimited entries as long as they adhere to the contest specifications.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners, with $1,000 for the first prize, $800 for the second prize, and $500 for the third prize. Special awards, such as the SEARCA Director's Choice and the Philippine Department of Education Secretary's Choice, will also be given, with each winner receiving $500. Additionally, the People's Choice Award winner, determined through Facebook voting, will receive $400.
SEARCA encourages the submission of images showcasing farming technologies that promote recycling or reusing by-products and farm waste, as well as those with a low carbon footprint. Photos highlighting practices that conserve water, improve soil health, reduce postharvest losses, or utilize renewable energy are also welcomed.
The submitted photos should ideally depict farmers and farming families, researchers, inventors, students, and youth utilizing technologies and practices in the field. The images can cover various aspects of crop cultivation, livestock and animal husbandry, or fishery.
To be eligible for the contest, the photos must be original, unaltered, and not previously published or awarded in any other competition. All entries should be submitted through the SEARCA Photo Contest website by November 30, 2023. For more information, interested photographers can visit https://photocontest.searca.org.
