Mangrove Photography, Conservation & The 2025 Mangrove Photography Awards
An upside-down jellyfish drifts through the mangrove roots in shallow coastal waters.
I'm thrilled to share that I've been invited to be an Ambassador for the 2025 Mangrove Photography Awards.
It's an honor that resonates deeply with me, not just as a photographer, but as someone who has developed a profound connection with mangrove ecosystems over the years.
This blog post is both a celebration and a reflection - on the contest, my own journey, and the wild, tangled worlds that lie beneath the canopy of mangrove forests.
What are the Mangrove Photography Awards?
The Mangrove Photography Awards 2025 — a global celebration of the beauty and importance of mangrove ecosystems.
The Mangrove Photography Awards is an international photo contest organized by the Mangrove Action Project.
Open to photographers of all levels, its goal is to raise awareness about the beauty, biodiversity, and importance of mangrove ecosystems through compelling visual storytelling.
There are multiple categories including Wildlife, Landscape, People, and a special Youth category. Beyond just artistic recognition, the contest amplifies conservation messages and supports mangrove restoration efforts globally.
My Journey with Mangroves
Out of all the habitats I’ve explored, mangroves hold a special place in my heart.
Photographing them feels like stepping into a hidden world - one full of life, texture, and quiet mystery.
There’s a sense of adventure in every moment: schools of juvenile fish darting between roots, flickers of silver in the shallows, and beams of light filtering through the canopy like something out of a dream.
But more than that, these moments sparked something deeper - a sense of childlike curiosity and joy that I hadn’t felt in a long time.
Wading through tangled roots, camera in hand, I felt like a kid exploring a secret forest. That feeling has stayed with me.
Let’s take a closer look at some of my experiences with mangroves.
Jardines de la Reina, Cuba
My first deep dive into mangrove photography began last year in Jardines de la Reina, Cuba - one of the most pristine marine ecosystems in the Caribbean.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable marine biologist, I had the chance to experience this environment through both a scientific and artistic lens.
A vibrant mangrove forest in the shallow waters of Jardines de la Reina, Cuba.
We explored the dense root systems by snorkel and boat, observing juvenile sharks, rays, and reef fish that rely on the mangroves for shelter and survival. One of the most unforgettable moments was setting out to look for saltwater crocodiles - an exhilarating experience that added a whole new layer of adrenaline to the trip.
It was here that I truly fell in love with the mangroves. The serenity of the setting, the complexity of the ecosystem, and the sheer abundance of life left a lasting impression on me - both emotionally and professionally.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
In stark contrast, the mangrove reefs of Raja Ampat offered a different kind of magic. Here, corals grow directly beneath the mangrove canopy, forming surreal underwater landscapes where reef and forest coexist.
The water was crystal clear, the biodiversity staggering, and the interplay of light and texture made it a dream location for split shots and wide-angle underwater scenes.
A split view of healthy mangroves and coral reef in Raja Ampat.
Just like in Cuba, I found myself overcome by that same childlike wonder - a feeling of discovery and delight at every turn. There’s something about mangrove forests that invites you to slow down, observe, and get lost in the details.
Both locations gave me a renewed sense of purpose: to document these fragile environments not just for the sake of art, but as a way to support advocacy and conservation.
The Mangrove Photography Awards
Last year, I submitted a photo titled “Mangrove Coast” to the Mangrove Photography Awards - an aerial image of seaweed farms off the coast of Nusa Lembongan, one of the Nusa islands in Indonesia.
From above, the seaweed plots resembled a natural mosaic, stretching across the shallows in neat geometric rows, bordered by mangrove-fringed shorelines.
Seaweed farming is an important livelihood in this region, passed down for generations. It plays a vital role in the local economy and, when practiced sustainably, can coexist with mangrove conservation efforts. Capturing this balance - between tradition, nature, and industry - was my way of highlighting the interconnectedness of coastal communities and ecosystems.
Mangrove Coast
To my surprise and joy, Mangrove Coast was selected as Highly Commended in the competition. Even more exciting, it was chosen for inclusion in a traveling exhibition launched in Abu Dhabi, marking the 10th anniversary edition of the Mangrove Photography Awards.
This was the first time the award’s finalists were exhibited on a global stage, thanks to a partnership between the Mangrove Action Project and key environmental organizations in the region. Being part of that milestone meant a lot - not only as a photographer, but as someone passionate about using imagery for impact.
A visitor observes my photograph at the 2023 Mangrove Photography Awards exhibition in Dubai.
What mattered most, though, wasn’t the recognition. It was the platform it created - an opportunity to share my image and its story with new audiences, and to contribute to the larger conversation around mangrove protection.
Because what sets this contest apart is its mission - it isn’t just about showcasing incredible photographs, but raising awareness and spreading mangrove conservation across the world.
Winning and shortlisted images are used in conservation campaigns, educational initiatives, and even policy advocacy. They help raise awareness about the threats facing mangroves and inspire people - from local communities to global leaders - to take action.
Why Mangroves Are So Important
Mangroves don’t receive anywhere as much attention as tropical rainforests or coral reefs, but they play a significant role not only in our planet’s health but also in supporting local communities.
If you don’t know much about mangroves, I highly recommend reading through the following to see exactly why they are underrated and how they help our planet.
Carbon Storage
Studies indicate that mangroves can store up to four times as much carbon as rainforests, most of which is stored in the soil beneath the trees.
Coastal Protection
Mangroves also protect the coastline by providing protection against storms by dissipating large waves and preventing flooding and other potential damage.
Nursery Ground
The root system of mangroves provides a safe space for baby fish, as well as a sanctuary for marine animals. Hundreds of species use the mangrove landscape as a nursery ground and that is just underneath the water.
Mangrove trees provide nesting for birds, as well as homes for lizards, snakes and other creatures.
A school of batfish glides through shallow reef waters, illuminated by the morning sun filtering through the mangroves.
Support Local Communities
Many communities rely on mangroves, not only for the protection that they provide, but also to provide livelihoods in the form of fishing, tourism, and farming activities.
The Future of Mangroves
Given how crucial mangroves are to our climate and planet, it’s estimated that there are only 140,000 square kilometers of mangroves in total.
We really are only just starting to realize just how impactful mangroves are for our planet, and I highly recommend this article for more information.
Despite all of this, these ecosystems are under constant threat. Urban development, aquaculture, pollution, and climate change are accelerating mangrove loss globally.
This is where photography becomes a powerful tool for conservation.
Bridging Photography and Conservation
Photography allows us to tell stories that words alone cannot. A single frame can capture the vibrance, vulnerability, and value of these forests.
Images alone are not enough, though. By sharing our images, we can raise awareness and inspire action.
As a photographer, I see it as my responsibility not only to create beautiful images but also to support and promote conservation efforts. That’s why I believe contests like the Mangrove Photography Awards are so crucial: they turn artistic expression into environmental action.
Looking to the future of mangroves, I want to see more conservation-focused expeditions to these areas. Bonus points here for those led by marine biologists and local experts, with a focus on sharing their photography with the world and raising awareness.
Although the submissions for this year are now closed, I highly encourage any photographer to enter their submissions and take part in the movement.
