Celebrating Nature’s Resilience Through Photography
Launched as a platform for artistic expression and environmental awareness, the 2026 European Environment Agency (EEA) photo competition, “Resilient by Nature,” has revelled in the power of photography to illustrate the resilience of nature. This year’s competition showcased a range of stunning images that not only highlight the beauty of the natural world but also its vulnerabilities and the pressing challenges it faces. The winners were announced today, showcasing the remarkable talent of photographers from across Europe.
Under the themes of Harmony, Disruption, and Renewal, participants submitted nearly 2,800 entries from 35 countries, capturing the diverse landscapes and experiences that define Europe’s ecosystems. Each photograph serves as a powerful reminder of the intricate balance between human activities and the natural environment, reflecting the various ways in which life adapts and endures.
A Glimpse at the Winning Images
In a competitive selection process, an external jury awarded one winning image in each thematic category, alongside a youth prize and a public choice award determined by an online vote from the audience.
Harmony Category
The winning image in the Harmony category was taken by Ali Aslan, titled «Sanctuary.» It showcases the ancient delta ecosystem of Dalyan, Muğla, with its intricate network of reed beds that serve as a natural buffer between freshwater and the sea. From a bird’s-eye view, the waterways resemble the branching roots of a living organism, illustrating the delicate interplay between human activities and nature. This photograph emphasizes the critical role healthy wetland ecosystems play in sustaining biodiversity and the importance of preserving such vital landscapes for future generations.
Disruption Category
Julián Fernandez Quilez captured the essence of human impact on ecosystems in the Disruption category with his striking photograph titled «El tubo de la contaminación.» Taken from within a drainage pipe, this image starkly contrasts the beauty of wildlife with the harsh reality of human waste. The murky water and litter tell a story of the long-lasting effects of human actions on natural habitats, encapsulating the challenges wildlife face as they adapt to increasingly disrupted environments.
Renewal Category
Under the Renewal category, a poignant photograph titled «Where life returns» portrays a small plant emerging from the ashes of a recently burned landscape. This resilient green life symbolizes hope and renewal amidst devastation. The image serves as a powerful reminder that nature has an innate ability to rejuvenate and thrive, even in the most challenging conditions.
Recognizing the Next Generation of Photographers
The Youth Prize was awarded to Denat Lahi for «City Marten,» an image depicting a curious marten finding shelter among industrial structures. This photograph highlights wildlife’s remarkable adaptability to human-altered environments and underscores the importance of creating spaces where nature can flourish alongside urban development, seen through the fresh perspective of a young artist.
A Public Favorite
Lastly, the Public Choice Award went to Radoslav Sviretsov for his breathtaking photo titled «Tree of life.» This image, captured from above the Icelandic Highlands, reveals nature’s inherent symmetry, as the “Tree of Iceland” emerges against the backdrop of a stunning landscape. The melting snow intricately traces the contours of the land, while vibrant green moss adds life to this natural artwork, symbolizing strength and resilience in the wilderness.
The “Resilient by Nature” photo competition not only celebrates artistic talent but also fosters awareness of the crucial relationship between humans and the environment. Each winning image serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty, fragility, and resilience of nature in the face of ongoing challenges.