In honour of Commonwealth Day on Monday 8 March, the British High Commission Nassau is holding a climate action photography contest for young Bahamians (ages 11-18).
Details of the contest are on the UK in The Bahamas Facebook Page. Young Bahamians aged 11-14 and 15-18 years old can submit photos that represent Nature-based Solutions to Combat Climate Change and its Impacts. Prizes in each age category include a Go Pro Hero 5 camera worth over $400 and a snorkel experience at the BREEF Coral Reef Sculpture Garden and Coral Nursery.
The contest is organised by the British High Commission Nassau in partnership with the Sustainable Development Goals Unit SDG Unit of the Office of the Prime Minister and the Bahamas Reef Environment Education Foundation BREEF.
Protecting the environment and combatting climate change are very important for the 54 members of the Commonwealth.
• Did you know? 31 of the Commonwealth’s 54 member countries are small island states
• Did you know? The Bahamas is part of the Commonwealth action group on mangroves
• Did you know? The Bahamas is part of the Commonwealth action group on the Blue Charter (shared oceans, shared values)
• Did you know? Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the head of the Commonwealth
So join us in raising awareness about The Bahamas’ role in combatting climate change through the promotion of Nature-Based Solutions. Your photo should capture the unique way that an island archipelago in the Commonwealth like The Bahamas can address climate change and its impacts.
Take an original still photo that reflects a ‘nature-based solution’ to climate change. Nature based solutions can counteract climate change in all sorts of ways, such as:
• the protection, restoration and sustainable management of mangroves and their ecosystems
• supporting woodlands
• protecting coral reefs and their ocean habitats
• sustainable farming and agriculture
• celebrating and protecting biodiversity on land and sea
The winners of the competition will be awarded prizes and have their photography featured in a virtual Gallery Space on the UK in The Bahamas Facebook Page.
Contest Details and Rules
• Contest will run on UK in The Bahamas Facebook Page beginning on 8 March 2021
• This contest is only open to residents of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas
• Pictures submitted have to reflect on the theme: Nature based solutions to climate change
• Each participant is allowed to submit one (1) photograph only
• We reserve the right to refuse entry of any photo that we feel is inappropriate, i.e. portraying violence or abuse
• Photos need to be the original work of the contestants, and to be shot in The Bahamas. Contestants will be responsible for any copyright violation committed in entries
• Photo Submission: All pictures are to be sent to ukinthebahamas@gmail.com in a .jpg format, and a maximum size of 5mb, along with a short description, as well as the name and age of the photographer and the town/city they are from and contact details. Students are encouraged to submit their school, college or University name. Contestants are responsible for having obtained any necessary permission from any person/persons appearing in their photographs
• All pictures will be posted in two age-based albums (11-14; 15-18) on the UK in The Bahamas Facebook Page on and voting on pictures can take place as soon as pictures are posted
• Deadline for voting is 26 March 2021. Voting on pictures will be done by ‘liking’ the photos in the age-based albums. The five photographs with the top number of ‘likes’ by the end of this contest, will be judged by an independent judging panel
• A first, second and third prize will be awarded to six photographers—two from each age group on 29 March 2021 via Facebook announcement and email notification
• In entering, you agree to allow the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to use your image on FCDO social media channels, and/or without restrictions, although credit will be given where appropriate
Deadline for Submitting Photos
26 March 2021 by 5:00pm Bahamian time. Any picture submitted after this deadline will NOT be considered.
Prizes
• First prize: GoPro HERO5 Action Camera (valued at $450) • Second prize: $200 Sports Centre Vouchers • Third prize: snorkel experience at the BREEF Coral Reef Sculpture Garden and Coral Nursery
Learn more
For more inspiration you can explore the following information on climate change and its impacts:
• Nature Based Solutions – Ecosystem Based Adaptation Video (United Nations Environment Programme)
• The Commonwealth of Nations and the Environment
• Climate Action: United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 here
To learn more about the Commonwealth, have a look at:
• The Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM21)
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