In 2012, photojournalist Reza Deghati joined forces with IDEA (International Dialogue for Environmental Action) to launch the “Children’s Eyes on Earth” International Youth Photography Contest, Festival and Exhibition, which aimed to raise awareness of environmental issues by engaging young people and showcasing their photographs.
This exciting global initiative gave children and teenagers a platform for showing how they see the natural world, and the chance to discover some of the challenges currently faced by our planet. By seeing the natural world through their eyes, it is our hope that adults will be inspired to take action as well.
With its “I Love Nature, I Fear Pollution” theme, the contest was a unique opportunity for young people to highlight crucial issues and share their vision with others in the international community.
Following the competition, an international photography festival and award ceremony — attended by photography professionals from across the globe — was organized in Baku, Azerbaijan. The winners and their families were then invited to attend and participate in an exclusive workshop in nearby Gobustan.
1st Prize — Anastasya Vorobko, 9 years old, Russia
2nd Prize — Juan Carlos Canales, 14 years old, Spain
3rd Prize (two winners) — Bianca Stan, 15 years old, Romania
Michael Theodric, 11 years old, Indonesia
Public Vote Prize — Kseniya Saberzhanova, 17 years old, Russia
Special Prize (Selected by the President of the competition judges) — Sophie Vela, 14 years old, France
