Environmental Picture Competitors Exhibits Devastating Influence People Can Have on Wildlife

The winners of the 2026 Environmental Photography Award have been introduced, and photographer Britta Jaschinski has been offered with the grand prize for her picture, Handprint on Sea Turtle, which additionally gained the “Changemakers” class.

The award is organized by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. It shortlisted 36 images, and contains seven prize-winning photographs: 5 class winners — “Changemakers”, “Forests”, “Humanity vs Nature”, “Ocean”, and “Polar Regions” — every receiving a €1,000 ($1,170) money prize; a Public Award; and a Student’s Choice Award, each receiving a €500 ($585) grant. The Grand Prize is chosen from among the many 5 class winners and is supported by a €5,000 ($5,850) grant.

Jaschinski’s profitable photograph exhibits the sinister handprint made by a human who mustn’t have been touching a inexperienced sea turtle. She was in a position to seize the photograph by way of her work with wildlife forensics, who’re looking smugglers.

The scene demonstrates a technique for securing forensic proof that may assist to catch poachers and animal traffickers. Special fluorescent powder dyes, photographed below ultraviolet gentle, reveal traces of handprints and fingerprints, blood and different bodily fluids, and gunpowder residues, amongst others.

“I am deeply grateful to HSH Prince Albert II and his Foundation for bringing us together in support of our precious planet,” says Jaschinski. “It is a true honor to be named Environmental Photographer of the Year 2026, recognized by an esteemed jury among such distinguished work.”

Category Winners and Runners-Up

The images shortlisted for the 2026 version might be exhibited on the Promenade du Larvotto in Monaco from 28 May to 30 July 2026, earlier than touring internationally. As in earlier editions, a e-book that includes all chosen photographs and their accompanying texts might be printed by Skira Paris.

The name for entries for subsequent 12 months’s competitors will start on September 1.