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
