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A bird navigating trash in a drainage pipe to nature's ability to recover after a forest fire – these are just two of the winning photos announced today that captured the spirit and ethos of this year’s European Environment Agency ‘Resilient by Nature’ photo competition.
The 2026 competition invited photographers from across Europe to capture resilience in all its forms through three thematic categories: Harmony, Disruption and Renewal. The winning images reveal both the vulnerabilities and strengths of Europe's natural environment, offering striking perspectives on the relationship between people and nature.
With close to 2800 entries submitted from 35 countries, the contest highlighted the remarkable diversity of Europe's natural environments and the many ways people experience and document nature's resilience. The rich variety of landscapes, species and environmental stories captured through the lens resulted in an exceptionally strong pool of submissions, making the jury's final selection a particularly challenging task.
An external jury chose one winning image from each of the above categories, plus a youth prize. There was also a public choice award, the winner of which was selected by a public online vote.
Winners by category
Harmony
Ali Aslan, Resilient by Nature / EEA
Title: Sanctuary
The ancient delta ecosystem of Dalyan, Muğla, forms a vast labyrinth of reed beds that acts as a natural buffer between freshwater and the sea. Viewed from above, its intricate waterways resemble the branching roots of a living tree, supporting a rich mosaic of aquatic life and microhabitats. As small boats navigate these winding channels, the image captures the delicate balance between human activity and the natural world. A stunning example of this year’s Harmony category, the photograph highlights how healthy wetland ecosystems sustain biodiversity while reminding us of the importance of preserving these vital landscapes for future generations.
Disruption
Julián Fernandez Quilez, Resilient by Nature / EEA
Title: El tubo de la contaminación
Taken from inside a drainage pipe using a remote-triggered ultra-wide-angle setup, this photograph reveals the striking contrast between wildlife and human waste. Within this environment, which forms part of the daily habitat of this water rail, the murky water and accumulated litter expose the lasting impact of human activity. The photograph captures the essence of this year's Disruption category: the challenges that human activities create for ecosystems and the wildlife forced to endure and adapt.
Renewal
Title: Where life returns
Among the blackened grass and the silence left by the fire, a small plant is rising from the ashes. It felt fragile, almost impossible, yet full of quiet strength. In a landscape marked by loss, this tiny green life became a sign of renewal. Under the Renewal category, this photograph reminds us that nature does not simply survive; it begins again, quietly and beautifully, even where everything seemed burned away.
Youth Prize
Denat Lahi, Resilient by Nature / EEA
Title: City Marten
A curious marten finding refuge among industrial structures illustrates wildlife's capacity to adapt and survive in human-modified environments. The photograph highlights the adaptability of wildlife and the importance of creating spaces where nature can continue to thrive alongside people. A hopeful vision of resilience through the eyes of a young observer.
Public Choice Award
Radoslav Sviretsov, Resilient by Nature / EEA
Title: Tree of life
High above the Icelandic Highlands, this top-down perspective reveals nature’s hidden symmetry. The “Tree of Iceland” emerges even more vividly, as if painted onto the land by the invisible brush of time. Melting snow has carved delicate lines and branches, resembling roots and limbs, while the glowing green moss brings this natural artwork to life: a symbol of strength and resilience in the northern wilderness.
More information on the photo competition is available via this link.
