Mangrove Photography Awards Expose Vanishing Ecosystems

The 2025 Mangrove Photography Awards recently concluded, shining a spotlight on the beauty and importance of mangrove ecosystems around the world. The grand prize-winning image, captured by photographer Mark Ian Cook, depicts a flock of roseate spoonbills flying over the turquoise waters of Florida's Everglades. However, this serene scene belies a troubling reality - the roseate spoonbill, a striking pink wading bird, is becoming increasingly rare due in part to sea level rise and the loss of the mangrove habitats where they forage for fish.

Mangrove forests are crucial for fighting climate change, as they are natural carbon sinks and serve as barriers against flooding. Yet, according to the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems, more than half of the world's mangroves are at risk of collapse by 2050. The Mangrove Photography Awards, now in its 11th year, aims to raise awareness of these threatened ecosystems and inspire conservation action.

The awards received a record 3,303 entries from 78 countries this year, showcasing the global significance of mangroves. The winning and commended images not only capture the beauty of these habitats but also expose the threats they face, from plastic pollution to aquaculture development and climate change impacts. The photographs "reveal the intricate relationships and vibrant biodiversity" of mangrove ecosystems and "show the profound human connections within coastal communities that depend on mangroves for their way of life," said the awards' creative director, Leo Thom.