Photo Winners – Global Landscapes Forum

Amazon river, natural wonder of the world–Loreto, Peru

Editor — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 02:40:44 +0000

Photographer’s comment: “Esta fotografía fue tomada en Perú, departamento de Loreto en el Río Amazonas Maravilla Natural del Mundo.
El amazonas es considerado el río mas caudaloso del mundo, en algunas partes de su recorrido desde su inicio en los andes peruanos asta el final en el mar atlántico, la anchura no se puede divisar por eso algunos pobladores lo llaman el río mar.”

Photo: Tamani Wagner

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Mangroves and livelihoods in Guinea-Bissau

Editor — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 02:36:44 +0000

Photographer’s comment: “Tropical mangrove forest ecosystems are considered one of the most important carbon reservoirs on Earth and are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world forming forests of salt-tolerant tree and shrub species, with complex food webs and dynamics. Guinea-Bissau is one of the ten poorest countries in the world, with roughly 75 % of the population living in rural areas directly dependent on natural resources for their living. On the Atlantic coast of Africa, Guinea-Bissau has the second largest mangrove area (after Nigeria) comprising about 8 % of the national territory. Almost 80 % of its population resides in the coastal zone where most economic activity is concentrated, and depend directly on mangrove forests for fish and wood collection. The Tchor family and its three generations of fishermen are an example of how important mangroves are to the livelihoods of these coastal communities as they clearly depend on the this rich and amazing ecosystem.”

Photo: Joana Melo

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Belleza Escenica – Reserva Comunal Amarakaeri, Madre de Dios, Peru

Editor — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 02:34:11 +0000

Photo: Fermín Chimatani

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Afforestation is changing the landscape–Suhagi Hills, India

Editor — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 01:37:36 +0000

Photographer’s comment: “It was not long before that this place was heading towards becoming a barren state and desertification. All this was on account of excessive deforestation and over-grazing practices carried out by the local folks. It was only after the forest department took notice of the concern and serious efforts were made to prevent further land degradation and restore the area back to its healthy greens. Immediate afforestation measures were undertaken by the authority and anthropogenic activities were regulated. Also environment activists were roped in to initiate programs to sensitise people regarding land use pattern. The efforts paid well and the tree cover increased significantly. One who has seen it before does not require a progress report as the rejuvenating land speaks itself.”

Photo: Manish Kumar

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Kala Wewa, Sri Lanka

Editor — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 01:29:17 +0000

Photographer’s comment: “An 11-month-long drought, worsened by a weak monsoon, has affected over 1.6 million people in Sri Lanka this year. However, water is in abundant supply, in this ancient reservoir in the Island’s Anuradhapura district. One of 18 such basins constructed in the 5thcentury by King Dhatusena, the reservoir today is part of the Mahaweli Irrigation Scheme and provides the population of North Central Sri Lanka with fresh water. The application of controlled, traditional fishing techniques, combined with a quota system also ensures livelihoods are supported, even as fish populations can thrive. Its success calls to mind the saying attributed to a venerated Sri Lankan ruler, Parakrama Bahu (1153–1186 AD): “Let not even a drop of rain water go to the sea without benefiting man.”

Photo: Shanmugaraja Sudakaran

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Boca Chica, Golfo de Chiriqui, Panama

Editor — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 01:20:38 +0000

Photographer’s comment: “This photo is of an archipelago on the Pacific Coast of Panama. The area is known for it’s untouched rain forests, howler monkeys, large fish and many varieties of sea mammals including humpback whales.”

Photo: Michael Seiden

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Laguna Canapa in the Bolivian Highlands

Editor — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 01:16:38 +0000

Photographer’s comment: “This photo was taken in the Altiplano in mineral rich western Bolivia, near Uyuni and the Bolivian Salt Flats. The beauty of the landscape is matched by the abundance of natural resources and minerals that are found in the area.”

Photo: Michael Seiden

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Balloons over Sigiriya–Sri Lanka

Editor — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 01:14:10 +0000

Photographer’s comment: “The sun rises over a glorious Sri Lankan landscape. For the villagers watching the balloons drift over their homes and fields, these floating giants are objects first of fear and then of curiosity and delight. The recent influx of tourists after decades of conflict has coincided with development rushing forward, and infrastructure making inroads into wild lands. Critics argue that the country’s pristine spaces must be developed with greater care, and that thought must be given to the impact future constructions will have on the environment. The balloons, at least, pass overhead, leaving no footprints on the earth.”

Photo: Shanmugaraja Sudakaran

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Sunset in the Peruvian Amazon

Editor — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 01:06:30 +0000

Photographer’s comment: “This photo of a spectacular Amazon sunset depicts the magnificence and global importance of the Amazon river and rainforest, which is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The Amazon is the world’s largest river, discharging more water than the seven next largest rivers combined. Its importance to our planet is immeasurable.”

Photo: Michael Seiden

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Valle del Rio Mantaro – Peru

Editor — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 00:54:56 +0000

Photographer’s comment: “In the Andean highlands, like Alto Cunas and the Rio Mantaro Valley in Peru, there are species of cactus and flowers of a subtle beauty. The winds and rains have brought pollutants such as lead from the smokestacks of the mining city La Oroya. Those pollutants, crossing hundreds of kilometers, are seriously compromising the ecosystems of the highlands.”

Photo: Herbert Renato Salas Portugal

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