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We are proud to introduce a remarkable team of 12 expert jurors — professional photographers, visual artists, Wikimedians, and communication specialists — who are carefully reviewing every photo to help us select the most outstanding images of nature from around the world in 2025.

Get to know our jurors behind the lens!

⚖️ Osama Silwadi (Palestine) is a photojournalist, visual storyteller, archivist, and folklorist. He started his professional career in 1991. During the first Palestinian Intifada, he faced difficulties and challenges and was in danger as he worked in the conflict areas. In October 2006, Osama was seriously injured by a stray bullet during a march in the center of Ramallah, which resulted in paralysis of the lower limbs. Silwadi has won titles inspired by his work in documenting the Palestinian heritage, including “The Eye of Palestine” and the “Palestinian Heritage Documenter”. Osama was the international jury member of the previous WLE editions (2020–2024).

⚖️Bijay Chaurasia (Nepal) is a travel photographer and long-time Wikimedia contributor passionate about visual storytelling. Active since 2014, he has captured Nepal’s rich natural and cultural heritage through his lens and shared it widely on Wikimedia Commons. Bijay has served as a jury member for international photo contests such as Wiki Loves Monuments, Wiki Loves Earth, and Wiki Loves Food, and as the Deputy General Secretary of the Maithili Wikimedians User Group, he continues to lead and document outreach programs that connect creativity with open knowledge. Bijay was the international jury member of the previous WLE editions (2023–2024).

⚖️Lloyd Ericson C. Rodriguez (Philippines) is a Biological Sciences major who has completed his academic requirements for a Master’s degree in Educational Management. He brings together his passions for education, photography, and writing. Since 2016, he has gained recognition in national and international competitions — his work has earned awards in peace-themed, environmental, documentary, and travel photography contests, and many of his photos have been published and exhibited worldwide. This year, one of his photographs was chosen from thousands of global entries as one of only 75 works featured in the third edition of the In Colors Project in Porto, Portugal. His essay on youth participation in democracy was also published by the ASEAN Youth Forum. Now a Secondary School Teacher III, Rodriguez mentors young writers and photojournalists while organizing writing and photography workshops and events. This marks his second time serving as a jury member for Wiki Loves Earth International.

⚖️Habib Mhenni (Tunisia) has been a Wikimedian since 2010, an Admin on Wikimedia Commons, and a jury member of many international Wiki Loves contests over the years. This marks his second time serving as a jury member for Wiki Loves Earth International.

⚖️Elena-Tatiana Chiș (Romania) is an architect working in restoration and interior design in France. Part-time freelance graphic designer, passionate about photography (landscape and architecture), monuments, and travel. She had some photos presented in different exhibitions, some of them published in architectural magazines and books, web articles (UNESCO), calendars (2013 KLM Social Calendar), etc. She discovered Wiki in 2016 through the Wiki Loves Monuments contest. That year, she was a winner in the top 10 nationally in the following countries: 1st and 5th place in Morocco, 3rd place in Peru, 3rd and 4th place in Tunisia. Also, one of the Wiki Loves Monuments coordinators in Romania (2018–2020). One of the members of the Wikimedians of Romania and Moldova User Group since 2018. Elena-Tatiana was the international jury member of the previous WLE editions in 2020 and 2024.

⚖️Ajeigbe Rukayat (Nigeria) is a certified trainer of Reading Wikipedia in the Classroom Program, an ambassador for movement charters in the Movement Charter Drafting Committee (MCDC), and a Kiwix ambassador, Wikimedia User Group Nigeria (WUGN) Community Support Fund Committee 2022/2023, among others. She has also participated in and co-facilities various Wikimedia projects such as the Wikimedia Awareness Program in Osun State, Wiki4HumanRight Campaign in Osun State 2023, Wiki Loves Earth 2023, Wiki Loves Africa 2023, Wikipedia Pages Wanting Photos (WPWP), Wikidata (media personalities in Nigeria), WikiGLAM Awareness for Libraries and Librarians in Kwara, Wikidata for Libraries and Librarians in Nigeria, and 1lib1ref in Kwara 2022. This marks her second time serving as a jury member for Wiki Loves Earth International.

⚖️Johan Jönsson (Sweden) began editing Wikimedia wikis in 2004 and has primarily been active on the Swedish Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons. He has also spent significant time trying to educate the Swedish public about the wikis and how they work. His book Wikipedia inifrån contains a chapter on how photos used in Wikipedia relate to the neutral point of view. He’s a previous member of the Swedish Wiki Loves Monuments jury.

⚖️Rakesh Baro (India) is an award-winning photographer and former computer science engineer based in Canada. After leaving a successful IT career to follow his passion, he has made his mark in the world of photography. His work has earned global recognition, including the IPA Color Nature Award and OnePlus Photo of the Year (2022), and has been featured by National Geographic, BBC, Smithsonian, eBird, Nature InFocus, Wild Karnataka, Times UK, The Telegraph, Canadian Geographic, and 500px.

⚖️Inessa Yurovskih (Kazakhstan) is a professional photographer with over 15 years of experience, specializing in portrait, family, and documentary photography in the lifestyle genre. She is a member of the Eurasian Photographers Association, the League of Professional Photographers, and ART Portrait. Inessa holds the V IAAP (Virtuoso) distinction from the International Association of Art Photographers and has received multiple FIAP and IAAP international awards. Her works have been exhibited and published in international magazines such as Moveux, Taurus, Turn-Off, Vida, and Photohouse. As a photographer, she focuses on capturing genuine human emotion and natural beauty through light and atmosphere.

⚖️Suzanna Tymochko (Ukraine) is a communications specialist at the NGO “Ukrainian Ecostations Network”, where she develops conservation projects and communication initiatives. In her free time, she travels and photographs, exploring the beauty and history of both well-known and hidden corners of Ukraine. She uses her photos for work purposes and to promote sustainable tourism, nature-based solutions, and biodiversity conservation. In 2020, she served on the Ukrainian jury of Wiki Loves Earth in the special category “Best Video”.

⚖️Jophel Botero Ybiosa (Philippines) is a world-class and multi-award-winning visual artist with more than 500 local and international honors. Some of his historic achievements are the following: First Filipino to win a 1st Prize in the Best Art Awards, First Filipino to win a Gold Award in New York Photo Fair, First Filipino Gold Medalist in World Art Camp Olympiad, First Filipino Gold Medalist in Southeast Asia Photo Circuit, First Filipino Grand Prize Winner in ASEAN-Korea Multimedia Competition and Two-time Best Photograph Winner in Global Festival Photography Competition. Ybiosa is an 11-time Ani ng Dangal Awardee for Visual Arts (National Commission for Culture and the Arts), Bagong Bayani Awardee for Culture and the Arts, Go Negosyo Inspiring Balik-bayan Creative Artist, an Outstanding Alumnus for Arts and Culture (Culiat High School), and Notable Alumni Awardee for Visual Arts (Polytechnic University of the Philippines – College of Communication). He is the Founder of an award-winning arts and advocacy group – the Team Juan Makasining (2017 Asia-Pacific Excellence Awardee for Outstanding Arts and Advocacy Organization), and works as a Master Photographer at Princess Cruise Lines, and has served as a Special Lecturer at Polytechnic University of the Philippines and as a Global Photo Show Program Host. He ́is the Captain of the World Photographic Cup Philippine Team and was recently appointed to the New York Photography Awards and Global Photography Awards Grand Jury. Other significant accomplishments are the following: Outstanding Achievement Award in International Color Awards 2025, Platinum Winner in London Photography Awards 2025, Gold Winner in European Photography Awards 2025, Most Creative Award and Bronze Winner in Singapore International Art Contest 2025, 2nd Place Winner in World Art Awards 2025, Global Photographic Union Gold Medalist in Greek Photographic Circuit 2025, etc. His artistic works have been exhibited and recognized in the U.S.A., the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, and across Asia.

⚖️Elisabeth Damaris Fingkreuw (Indonesia) actively works as a photographer and videographer for various campus and community events, and focuses on documentation, visual storytelling, and human-interest photography. She is an undergraduate Student at the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (Institut Seni Indonesia – ISI), Major in Film and Television Production. She also served as a photography competition judge in Indonesia. Her achievements and recognitions: 1st Place, Film Competition for Teachers’ Day (PGRI) in West Java, Best Actress Award, Local Film Festival – 3rd Place, International Sustainable Film Festival, Film Nominee, Lift-Off Film Festival, United Kingdom. Elisabeth aims to contribute by appreciating the visual works of young creators and encouraging them to tell meaningful stories through photography that carry strong social messages.

⚖️Jhuma Datta (India) is an acclaimed professional photographer with experience of over a decade. Jhuma is a globe-trotting storyteller who weaves the essence of nature and humanity through her lens. As a dedicated contributor to Wikimedia and a Conservationist, she leverages her craft to inspire and educate. With exhibitions worldwide and a published coffee table book, Jhuma’s work embodies her passion for capturing the beauty and complexity of our world.

The evaluation phase is officially underway — and in just one month, we’ll be announcing this year’s winners. Stay tuned!

From September 26–28, the regional Wikimedia community gathered in Thessaloniki, Greece for the Central and Eastern European Meeting 2025!

The program included a session on the Wiki Loves Earth International, presented by Olesia Lukaniuk, the project’s manager of the contest.

The talk, titled “Deeper Storytelling Beyond Just Beauty”, explored how photographers capture not only stunning nature shots but also the stories and connections behind them.

The inspiring stories shared during the session that reminds us that behind every photo lies courage, patience, and a deep respect for our planet:

1. Gunung Mulu National Park, Malaysia – a challenging jungle journey ending in a misty, breathtaking view symbolizing nature’s resilience.
2. Northern Negros Natural Park,
the Philippines – a five-year search rewarded by a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with this elusive species.
3. Lac Radès Méliane, Tunisia – a reminder of the beauty and biodiversity found across North Africa’s protected landscapes.
4. Omoljica, Serbia – showcasing local photographers’ dedication to capturing the hidden gems of their natural heritage.
5. Lake Vänern Archipelago, Sweden – a single perfect millisecond captured — a moment of spiritual connection between photographer and wildlife.
6. Greto del torrente Scrivia, Italy – a humorous adventure of perseverance and clumsiness that ended with a perfect shot.
7. Havel, Germany – a fleeting instant of light and life, reminding us how beauty often goes unnoticed.
8. Isole Svalbard, Svalbard – a rare encounter in freezing silence, showing that even in harshest cold, life endures.
9. Puglia, Lecce, Italy – a story of ecological loss and hope as ancient olive trees show signs of resilience.
10. Lake Burdur, Turkey – a photo capturing a lake disappearing due to climate change — a warning to protect what remains.
11.  Azov–Syvash National Nature Park in Kherson oblast and Mangup Kale in Crimea, Ukraine – images from nature reserves under occupation, preserving memory and raising awareness amid war.

In the end the audience took part in the WLE quiz with a first place winner!

• Check out the presentation slides: https://w.wiki/FhVu
•  Check out the recording of the session: https://bit.ly/4nif6P0

As of today, 42 countries and territories have submitted their local winners — with just a few more to come.

The international jury team is almost complete — stay tuned for the announcement!

• Check out the page with the announced local winning images and videos, and enjoy the stunning views: https://w.wiki/Evr8

Who will make it to the final top 20? Share your guesses in the comments!

Feast your eyes on breathtaking landscapes and adorable macro shots from Uzbekistan, Nepal, the Czech Republic, Kyrgyzstan, and Benin — the very first local winners of Wiki Loves Earth 2025!

By September 1, we expect the full collection of winning images and videos from all 55 participating countries and territories.

Check them all on the page: https://w.wiki/EcWW

On 7 August, during the Wikimania 2025 conference in Nairobi, the Wiki Loves Earth community meetup took place!

Organizers from Germany, Malta, Ghana, Italy, and India, together with the international organizer, spent a valuable and inspiring time together.

We enjoyed a warm round of introductions, shared the latest contest updates, and exchanged useful tips on organizing the competition. Participants also picked up WLE postcards and stickers as a little keepsake.

A big thank-you to everyone who joined — we are already looking forward to the next time we connect!

Do you want to get unique experience of selecting winners of the biggest photo contest devoted to nature protected areas?

Join Wiki Loves Earth 2025 photo contest as a Jury member!
International jury is the team which evaluates the local winners and determines top photos of the international contest.

• The main engagement will take time from the middle of September till the end of October.
• We will receive around 400 images in the main nomination to evaluate (1st and 2nd round).
• It is a volunteer experience, but you will receive an online diploma and WLE-branded souvenirs after.

Who can apply?

• Experienced photography/videography professionals or enthusiasts.  
• People with expertise in nature, conservation, or environmental sciences.  
• Wikimedians with a track record in photo contests, Commons curation, or related work.
• Fluent English communication skills (jury work is in English).  
  
  Note: We aim for diversity in geography, gender, and expertise in jury composition.

You cannot serve on the international jury if you:  

• Took part in a local WLE competition in 2025 as a participant (uploaded images).
• Served as a jury member in a local WLE competition in 2025.
• A current local organizer or volunteer for WLE 2025.   

Please, fill out the form below, and the international organizing team will contact you. The form will take approximately 5-7 minutes to fill out.

https://forms.gle/uzPhTRuAugYDEBHV9

Deadline for registration: 29.08.25

A huge thank you to everyone who participated — from passionate photographers to nature lovers and Wikimedians around the world!

This year, you’ve helped us:

• Capture the beauty of protected natural areas — over 5 000 participants around the world joined.

• Enrich Wikimedia projects with free and valuable content — 74,000 new images gathered, contributing to the 1 million milestone.

• Celebrate the diversity of our planet’s landscapes and ecosystems — 55 countries and territories took part.

What is next?

We are waiting for local winning submissions — the best photos will enter the international round/

International juries will begin reviewing submissions.

International winners will be announced in November 2025!

BUT you still have a chance to join — 5 countries prolonged their contests till mid-August: Brazil, Burundi, Oman, Senegal, Slovakia.

Thank you for helping us bring nature to the world through open knowledge!

The countdown is on — July 31 is the final day to submit your amazing nature photos and get a chance to:

• Showcase the natural beauty of your country.

• Contribute to free knowledge on Wikipedia.

• Compete for national and international prizes.

Whether you’re a professional photographer or just love nature, you still have 2 days to join — 34 countries are still on!

Check the list on the page: https://commons.wikimedia.org/…/Participating_countries

We have reached a monumental milestone for Wiki Loves Earth International!

• Over 1,000,000 images have now been contributed to Wiki Loves Earth International over the past 13 years!

From breathtaking landscapes to charming macro shots, from the hidden corners of our planet to urgent environmental issues and stunning videos — a powerful testament to the global love for nature and free knowledge.

The most fruitful year in terms of uploads over the contest’s history was 2017, with almost 130,000 submitted images!

A huge thank you to every participant, volunteer, and organizer who contributed to capturing the planet’s diversity and sharing it with the world.

Let’s keep growing a global bank of freely-licensed images of our nature worldwide!

We’re excited to share the latest update from this year’s international competition:

• 44,618 images submitted

• 3,089 uploaders

• 58 countries on the participants list!

So far, 32 countries are actively running their local competitions, and we have already received the first local winning photos from Benin!

We are waiting for more stunning entries that showcase breathtaking nature, talented photographers, and unique protected areas.

Huge thanks to everyone contributing to documenting the natural heritage of our planet through free knowledge and open licenses!

Stay tuned for more!