Da Nang presents awards for photography contest on environment and biodiversity

The Department of Agriculture and Environment of Da Nang City, in coordination with the city's Association of Photographic Art, held an awards ceremony for the third edition of the "Photography Contest on Da Nang's Environment and Biodiversity," themed "Nature and Biodiversity of Da Nang City” earlier this July.

The contest aims to spread love for nature, raise public awareness of environmental protection and biodiversity conservation, and promote the image of a green Da Nang living in harmony with nature.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Vu Thi Bich Hau, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Agriculture and Environment, said the city possesses a distinctive natural landscape that brings together forests, sea, rivers, mountains, culture, and heritage. From the highlands of Ngoc Linh and Song Thanh, habitats of elephants and saola, to Ba Na - Nui Chua, Nam Hai Van, the Son Tra Peninsula, and the city's rivers, estuaries, coral reefs, and coastal waters, Da Nang holds major advantages but also carries major responsibilities in protecting nature.

In recent times, environmental protection, nature conservation, and biodiversity work have consistently received guidance and direction from the City Party Committee, along with the accompaniment and oversight of the City People's Council, the decisive management of the City People's Committee, and the active coordination of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the city and various socio-political organizations.

This serves as an important foundation for Da Nang to remain firmly committed to green development and growth in harmony with nature, while mobilizing the participation of the entire political system, the community, and businesses in preserving the city's precious natural values.

According to Vu Thi Bich Hau, photography carries a distinct power. Each image can open up a story far larger than its frame. "That is why the contest is not only looking for beautiful works. The contest is looking for perspectives capable of awakening love for nature, broadening awareness, and inspiring action. A photograph of nature only truly fulfills its mission when the beauty captured within it continues to be protected in real life," she said.

According to the organizing committee, this third edition of the contest received 655 entries, the highest number of any edition to date. The judging panel worked seriously, objectively, and responsibly to select 63 outstanding works for display at the exhibition, of which 13 works received awards. The works not only captured the beauty of nature but also extended an invitation to the community to reflect, appreciate, and act so that these values are preserved for future generations.

"I hope that after the contest, these works will continue to be used effectively in communication, environmental education, and promotion of the city's image, and will be introduced at schools, residential areas, conservation zones, tourist sites, and on digital platforms, so that today's images are not only viewed within the exhibition space but continue to make their way into community life," Vu Thi Bich Hau emphasized.

At the awards ceremony, the organizing committee presented 13 prizes for outstanding works. Among them, first prize went to the work "The Story of Ngoc Linh Ginseng - Vietnamese Ginseng" by author Pham Huy Dang.