The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation announces the winners of its 2026 Environmental Photography Award

The Grand Prize of the 2026 Environmental Photography Award was presented to photographer Britta Jaschinski for her image Handprint on Sea Turtle, winner in the “Changemakers” category.

Britta Jaschinski (United Kingdom and Germany) is an award-winning wildlife photojournalist known for her compelling investigations into the relationship between humans and nature. Her distinctive photographic style sheds light on environmental and wildlife crime, calling for meaningful action towards a more sustainable future. Her work has been featured in some of the most prestigious international publications, including National Geographic, Time Magazine and GEO.

“I am deeply grateful to HSH Prince Albert II and his Foundation for bringing us together in support of our precious planet.It is a true honour to be named Environmental Photographer of the Year 2026, recognised by an esteemed jury among such distinguished work. My photo aims to highlight the fragility of species but also the vital role of science in protecting our extraordinary wildlife. While traces of human presence can be unsettling, this photograph tells a story of progress — where innovation gives wildlife a voice, transforming evidence into a powerful force for awareness and accountability,” said Britta Jaschinski.

The shortlisted selection for the 2026 edition of the Environmental Photography Award features 36 photographs and includes seven prize-winning images: five category winners — “Changemakers”, “Forests”, “Humanity vs Nature”, “Ocean” and “Polar Regions” — each receiving a €1,000 cash prize; a Public Award; and a Student’s Choice Award, both receiving a €500 grant. The Grand Prize is selected from among the five category winners and is supported by a €5,000 grant.

Category winners include Handprint on Sea Turtle by Britta Jaschinski in the “Changemakers” category, Spirits of the Falls by Arnaud Farré in the “Forests” category, Born for the Ocean, Fated to the Flames by Fernando Faciole in the “Humanity vs Nature” category, Shearwater’s Dilemma by Henley Spiers in the “Ocean” category, and The Gathering by Vadim Makhorov in the “Polar Regions” category.

This year, the Public Award is bestowed upon Koalas are Dying for You to Slow Down by Doug Gimesy. SEK International University, a longstanding partner of the competition, also offers its winner the opportunity to visit the university’s research station in the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador, in addition to the grant received. Up is Down by Arnaud Farré is the recipient of the Student’s Choice Award.

For this edition, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation renewed its collaboration with Sergio Pitamitz, conservation and wildlife National Geographic contributing photographer, who took on the role of Contest Chairman. Alongside the organising team, Sergio shared his expertise, notably in ensuring that the ethical standards of environmental photography were upheld.

“Environment and the wildlife cannot ask for help. The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Environmental Photography Award gives them a voice. The competition seeks images that are not only visually compelling, but capable of spreading a meaningful message: photographs that inform, engage, and raise awareness about the urgent challenges facing our planet.

The awarded image of a green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), selected by an international jury composed of leading photographers and photo editors, demonstrates an innovative forensic method used to uncover hidden evidence that can help identify and prosecute poachers and wildlife traffickers.

Photographer Britta Jaschinski has made the documentation of crimes against wildlife a central focus of her work. Her approach avoids graphic or sensational imagery, instead producing photographs that communicate clearly and effectively to a wide audience, including younger generations, who will play a key role in shaping the future of our planet,” declared Sergio Pitamitz.

The 2026 Jury brought together renown photographers and personalities deeply committed to conservation: Jasper Doest, President of the jury, photographer specialising in conservation issues and wildlife (The Netherlands), Angel Fitor, natural history photographer and photojournalist specialising in marine and freshwater science (Spain), Tom Gilks, managing director and head of content at Nature Picture Library (United Kingdom), Sharon Guynup, journalist, author, photographer and National Geographic Explorer (USA), Florian Ledoux, film-maker and photographer specialising in the Arctic (France), Steve Winter, photojournalist specialising in big cats and documentary filmmaker (USA) and Christian Ziegler, photojournalist and filmmaker specialising in natural history and scientific topics (Germany).

A flagship initiative among the awareness-raising activities of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Environmental Photography Award — now celebrating its sixth anniversary — shines a spotlight on the work of talented wildlife and conservation photographers dedicated to protecting the planet.

The photographs shortlisted for the 2026 edition will be exhibited on the Promenade du Larvotto in Monaco from 28 May to 30 July 2026, before touring internationally. As in previous editions, a book featuring all selected images and their accompanying texts will be published by Skira Paris.

One of the three pillars of the Foundation’s Green Shift Initiative, dedicated to promoting inspiring ecological stories, the Environmental Photography Award highlights the power of images to drive awareness and engagement. As Romain Ciarlet, Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, explains:

“Environmental photography has the unique ability to make distant realities tangible and urgent. By revealing both the beauty and the vulnerability of our planet, these images challenge us to look closer, think deeper, and act more decisively. Through this Award, we aim to amplify the voices of those who bear witness in the field and to inspire a collective commitment to protecting the living world.”

To see all the images in the 2026 selection : Click Here  

The call for entries for the 2027 edition will be open from September 1 to November 1, 2026, on the Environmental Photography Award website.