Month: February 2025

One of our goals is to raise awareness about threats to nature and environmental disasters, especially those caused by humans.

Today marks three years since the russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and we want to showcase images of Ukraine’s protected areas currently under occupation.

812 sites are still under occupation and in the combat zone, covering nearly 1 million hectares.

Many of these protected areas face devastating consequences — from wildfires and deforestation to habitat destruction and loss of unique biodiversity.

Some of the examples are Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve, Dzharylhach National Nature Park, Kakhovka Dam, and many others.

These pictures of beautiful nature reserves were captured when they were peaceful and accessible and uploaded for Wiki Loves Earth in the past years. (Вікі любить Землю Україна / Wiki Loves Earth Ukraine)

By sharing these images, we not only preserve the memory of these breathtaking landscapes but also highlight the urgent need to protect them!

Wiki Loves Earth has been an incredible journey for so many who took part!

“The contest is in line with my commitment to involve new communities, and with each edition to promote a new understanding of the region through its protected areas,” — shares WLE regional ambassador Georges Fodouop.

Hear more insights from our 2024 international jurors, and share your own experiences with Wiki Loves Earth in the comments!

Although it is possible to organize a local contest without financial means, having some funding for promotion and prizes would help draw attention to the contest.

The international team does not have a budget for financing local contests. You can apply for Rapid Funds from the Wikimedia Foundation for Wiki Loves Earth in your country specifically. The WMF disburses funding for between 500 to 5,000 USD in this program.

See a detailed guide: https://w.wiki/CwdN

When to apply?
For 2025, there are two available cycles for submitting proposals:

• Cycle 4: 15th February – 11th April 2025, deadline: 15.02.2025.
• Cycle 5: 1st May – 27th June 2025, deadline: 01.05.2025.

It is better to apply as soon as possible. Please note that applications take some time to get reviewed and approved, and then there will be some time for the money to be actually transferred to your account.

So, if you are planning to start contest activities in May or June, it is recommended and needed that you submit an application by February 15th, 2025.

Where to apply?
Check the page: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Project/Rapid

As well, consider other possible ways of funding:

• You can develop partnerships and work with sponsors to receive financial and in-kind donations that would fund your local contest.
• If the contest is organized by a Wikimedia chapter or user group that applies for an annual grant from the Wikimedia Foundation or has other sources of funding, you can include Wiki Loves Earth in your budget.

Good luck and we are waiting for your country to take part in 2025!

Wiki Loves Earth is an annual international photography competition celebrating natural heritage worldwide. Participants capture stunning images of local nature in their countries and upload them to Wikimedia Commons. Each participating country hosts its own competition, organized by local teams.

Want to learn more? Visit our main page — https://commons.wikimedia.org/…/Commons:Wiki_Loves…

When?

As always, WLE will take place from May 1st to July 31st, 2025.

Local organizers have the flexibility to choose their contest dates within this international timeframe.

How can you participate this year?

As an organizer: If you’re already a local organizer or interested in hosting a contest in your country, check out the detailed guidelines for local teams: https://w.wiki/CwcT.

As a participant: Want to showcase your photography? Upload your photos and review the contest rules: https://w.wiki/CwdB.

We continue to spotlight environmental issues with our special nomination “Human Rights and Environment”—now in its fifth year!

Plus, we’re introducing a Video special nomination for the second time.

Have questions? Contact the international team at wle-team@wikimedia.org.ua.

Take your time to prepare and make your unique contribution to the Earth’s heritage!