Nandagang Wetland opens global migratory bird photography competition
Administrators at China s UNESCO listed Nandagang Wetland launch an international photography contest highlighting migratory bird conservation along the East Asian Australasian Flyway
Cangzhou, China - The Nandagang Wetland in Hebei Province has inaugurated the Global Wetland Week campaign, an international initiative that utilizes wetlands as a platform for dialogue and cultural exchange. This year, the centerpiece of the campaign is the 2026 Nandagang International Wetland Photo Contest, which encourages photographers and videographers globally to contribute to wetland conservation by sharing their visual narratives.
Nandagang Wetland, situated in Cangzhou, serves as a UNESCO World Heritage-listed migratory bird sanctuary along the Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf. In recent years, the area has seen significant growth in its wildlife: large-scale wetland restoration efforts have led to a remarkable increase in migratory birds. The number of birds has risen from approximately 20,000 in 2019 to over 150,000 in 2025, with the species count expanding from 268 in 2021 to 274.
The contest invites participants to showcase wetland landscapes, migratory birds, local communities, and conservation efforts under the theme "Together for Wetlands." It is open to photographers, videographers, nature observers, and young creators from all over the world, offering categories such as Global Wetlands, Wetlands and Migratory Birds, People and Wetlands, Nandagang Wetland, Youth Imaging (under 28), and Wetland Conservation Stories.
The competition is free to enter and is organized by the Cangzhou International Communication Center, with additional support from Xinhuanet North America and Xinhuanet Hebei Channel.
Judges for this year's contest include Ma Chaode, Assistant Resident Representative at UNDP in China, and Mario Suárez Porras, president of AFONAS and a prominent judge. Ma emphasized the critical role of wetlands as the "Kidneys of the Earth," highlighting their roles in provisioning, supporting, regulating, and cultural functions. He also noted that the photographs collected will vividly illustrate the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Mario Suárez Porras expressed his enthusiasm for the contest, stating that photography serves as a powerful tool to connect people with nature and inspire conservation efforts. The contest, with its free entry fee, aims to engage a global audience in appreciating and protecting wetland ecosystems. Entries can be submitted at globalsouthernnews.com/ndg2026, with a backup option via email at cangzhouNDGphotoweek@gmail.com.
The competition will be judged by a ten-member international jury, and winners will receive a US$1,500 Grand Prize, along with additional cash prizes, special awards, and honorable mentions.
Written by urgent.news from Vietnam Investment Review's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
