Let’s discover the winners of the third edition of the photography contest “LIFE ABOVE AND BELOW THE SEA” organized by LIFE A-MAR Natura2000. The jury selected the best images that showcase the beauty and biodiversity of the Natura2000 Network, between sea and coast.
The third edition of the photography contest “Life Above and Below the Sea”, promoted by the LIFE A-MAR Natura2000 project, has concluded. It gathered contributions capable of telling the story of the richness and beauty of the marine and coastal heritage of the Natura2000 Network.
The first prize was awarded to Filippo Fistarol for his photograph of the barrel jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo), captured just below the surface with Monte Sirolo in the background, part of the Monte Conero protected area of the Natura2000 Network (AN): a shot that perfectly represents the theme of the contest, combining sea and land in a single image.
Second place went to Alessia La Porta with a photo of a kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) perched on the limestone rock of the Capo Passero marine area, an unusual subject in a marine and coastal environment, made possible by the proximity to the Pantano di Marzamemi (SR), also a Natura2000 site.
Third place was awarded to Guido Villani for his image of a small herd of garfish (Belone belone) at the surface, taken in the Natura2000 marine site “Seabed from Punta Pezzo to Capo dell’Armi”, recognized for its technical quality and aesthetic effect on the water’s surface.
A special mention was given to Livia Cavuoto for her photograph of a common hermit crab (Pagurus bernhardus), highlighted by the strong color contrast with a green alga, taken in the Capo Palinuro special protection area, in the province of Salerno.
The jury, composed of Francesco Tomasinelli (Triton Research, LIFE Conceptu Maris), Maria Villani (Federparchi – Europarc Italy), Maria Chiara Graziani (LIPU), and underwater photographer Marcello Di Francesco, evaluated the works based on technical and naturalistic criteria, giving particular importance to shots taken within marine and coastal Natura2000 sites.
This edition once again confirms photography as a powerful tool for raising awareness, capable of combining scientific rigor and aesthetic emotion to enhance and protect the Mediterranean’s marine and coastal ecosystems.
