Thank you to all the photographers who participated in our ‘Trees, People, Planet’ photo competition! We’ve been overwhelmed with the incredible response from around the globe and are thrilled to share the winners.
With thousands of entries and submissions, along with a remarkable 10,198 votes from people worldwide, this competition truly showcased the beauty of landscapes, forests, and wildlife, as well as the vital connection between trees, people, and the planet.
Every submitted image serves as a powerful reminder that individual efforts contribute to the conservation and protection of our precious landscapes for current and future generations.
We are grateful to everyone who participated and voted. And are grateful as well to our judges, who meticulously reviewed each photo to select the first and second-prize winners.
Without further ado, we are pleased to announce the winners. Congratulations!
Our Jury
![](https://www.cifor-icraf.org/photocompetition23/wp-content/uploads/sites/52/2023/11/Fiston.png)
Fiston Wasanga
Professional photographer with more than ten years in photography. Passionate about documentaries, I specialize in the production of films and videos that highlight nature and support the protection and safeguarding of the ecosystem in the DRC. My career has allowed me to develop a strong relationship with international development institutions and NGOs, the case of Enabel Tshopo, the Alliance Française de Kisangani, CIFOR-ICRAF, Unicef Rd Congo, Internews in Rd Congo. My expertise as a photographer-videographer has been validated and proven through training courses in this area.
![](https://www.cifor-icraf.org/photocompetition23/wp-content/uploads/sites/52/2023/11/Pilar.jpg)
Pilar Valbuena Perez
Pilar Valbuena Perez holds an MSc in Forestry Engineering and she is finishing another MsC in Data Science, with over 20 years of experience in the forestry sector. In the past fifteen years, she has specialized in knowledge management and communications, serving as an International Forest Communications consultant for prominent entities like FAO, CIFOR, GIZ, and others. She is the director of communication in Grupo Sylvestris.
In addition to her forestry work, Pilar has made a mark as an Event Photographer for international organizations such as CIFOR, SECF, and FAO from December 2015 to June 2022. Her photography portfolio spans several major events, including the Spanish Forestry Congress, World Forestry Congress, and multiple editions of the Global Landscapes Forum. Her keen eye for detail and unique perspective allows her to capture moments that resonate with a global audience.
![](https://www.cifor-icraf.org/photocompetition23/wp-content/uploads/sites/52/2023/11/Kelvin.png)
Kelvin Trautman
Kelvin is a self-taught photographer and filmmaker based in Cape Town and London. His work focuses on narrative driven content, where he typically uses travel, sport, and pioneering expeditions, as a lens to look at human and environment condition. Recognized for his creative direction, perspective-filled compositions and athletic ability with camera in hand, Kelvin has fast established a name in the outdoor industry. He has covered assignments on all 7 continents for clients such as Patagonia, United Nations, Reuters, Red Bull and his images have appeared in an array of publications including New York Times, National Geographic, Red Bulletin, and Outside Magazine.