1. ORGANIZERS
Triton Research Srl on behalf of the LIFE A-MAR NATURA2000 project Triton Research Srl – Via Alessandro Scarlatti 8 – 80129 Naples – VAT 09209341214

2. PARTICIPATION FEE
Participation in the photo contest is free.

3. THEME
Title: “LIFE ABOVE AND BELOW THE SEA” If the subject of the photo is an animal, it must have been photographed in the Mediterranean basin and captive subjects are not allowed.

4. SCHEDULE
Contest opening: August 5, 2024 Contest closing: October 5, 2024 Jury voting: October 7 to October 14, 2024 Winners announcement: October 18, 2024 Prize delivery: November – December 2024

5. TYPE OF IMAGES
The contest is open to everyone. Each author can submit a maximum of 3 images in total (hereinafter referred to as the “Work” or “Works” or “Images”). Works in Jpg format with a long side of at least 2,000 pixels are accepted. Raw photos are not allowed. Images can be in color or black and white. Normal color, tone, contrast, saturation, and level corrections are allowed. Photo montages, retouching with removal or addition of key elements, frames, dates, signatures, and superimposed text on the photos are not allowed. The works at the time of registration must not have won awards or mentions in other photo contests. Each author is personally responsible for the subject of the presented work and its description, absolving the organizers of any responsibility. Participation in the contest implies that the submitted images do not infringe on the rights of third parties. The author of the photograph guarantees that they have obtained the necessary permissions for images depicting people and/or objects where specific consent is required.

6. SUBMISSION OF IMAGES
Photos must be sent via email or WeTransfer to the following address: info@lifeamarnatura2000.eu Each work must be numbered, include the initials of the author’s first and last name, the title (referring to the species), and indicate the area where it was taken (e.g., Open Sea in front of Genoa; Coast of Vulcano Island; Portofino Marine Protected Area; ZPS Secche di Tor Paterno; etc.). For example, “Mario Rossi, photo of a dolphin taken in ZPS Secche di Tor Paterno” will be: MR_Dolphin_1_ ZPS Secche di Tor Paterno. The final deadline for image submission is 11:59 PM on October 5, 2024.

7. RIGHTS
The ownership and rights of the Images remain with the authors, who grant Triton Research Srl the free right to use and publish the Works – both online and offline – with the obligation to credit the author. The author authorizes Triton Research Srl to publish and distribute the Images for purposes related to the photo contest, its communication, and promotion, such as in catalogs, calendars, and websites (with watermark, if requested), for exhibitions, or for other cultural purposes. Triton Research Srl cannot transfer the usage rights to third parties, nor use the authors’ images for profit. Each author declares to be the exclusive owner of the copyright on the Images and is personally responsible for the subject of the presented Work and its description, absolving Triton Research Srl of any responsibility. Participation in the contest implies that the submitted Images do not infringe on the rights of third parties. The author of the Images guarantees that they have obtained the necessary permissions for Images depicting people and/or objects where specific consent is required, absolving Triton Research Srl of any responsibility.

8. JURY
The jury, which will evaluate the works, will be composed of:
Francesco Tomasinelli, Communication Manager of the LIFE Conceptu Maris projects, Triton Research, naturalist and photographer
Maria Villani, project and institutional relations manager Federparchi-Europarc Italy
Andrea Mazza, Press Office, LIPU The jury’s decision is final and binding
Marcello Di Francesco, underwater image photographer

The evaluation will consider the technical aspects of the images (composition, file quality, sharpness) and natural science aspects (uniqueness of the situation, rarity of the species depicted). Additional points will be given to photos taken in Natura 2000 Sites.

9. PRIZES
Among all the submitted works, the jury will select 3 works for each category (ranked first, second, and third). The first-place winner will receive the books “Birds of the Mediterranean. Observation Guide” by Francesco Mezzatesta and “Twenty Thousand Species (or Almost) Under the Sea. A Journey into the Biodiversity of the Mediterranean, between Dunes, Abysses, and Aliens” by Andrea Bonifazi, and some project gadgets. The second-place winner will receive a print of the photo on forex and some project gadgets. The third-place winner will receive a print of the photo on forex and some project gadgets. Prizes will be sent directly to the winners.

10. PRIVACY
The provision of all requested data is an essential prerequisite for participation in the contest. The aforementioned personal data will be processed – in compliance with EU Regulation 2016/679 (G.D.P.R.) – using paper and electronic tools to ensure security and confidentiality, exclusively for the purpose of participating in this contest, namely for identifying the winners and the authors of the photos in various instances where they will be displayed or published. It will be possible at any time to exercise the rights under Chapter III of the G.D.P.R., such as requesting the correction, updating, or deletion of data. The interested party has the right to exercise the rights provided by the G.D.P.R. The data controller is Triton Research S.r.l. Via Alessandro Scarlatti 8 – 80129 Naples.

11. FINAL PROVISIONS
Participation in the contest implies knowledge and acceptance of these rules.

12. INFORMATION
For information, contact Triton Research S.r.l., info@lifeamarnatura2000.eu