The EEA’s annual photo competition aims to engage with Europeans around different environmental issues and this year’s competition focuses on the benefits we receive from nature. Did you know that green spaces in and around our cities help protect our homes from flooding by absorbing excess flood water, or that trees and urban parks help lower temperatures in urban areas during heatwaves? With its intrinsic beauty and rich diversity, nature is also a source of inspiration not only for art but also for designing machines, homes and many innovation solutions.

The European Union has been committed to protecting nature and biodiversity since the 1970s. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the adoption of one of the key nature protection laws in the EU, the Habitats Directive. With this legislation, the EU has built the largest coordinated network of protected areas in the world through Natura 2000, which covers 18% of the EU’s land area and more than 6% of its seas territories. These efforts are supported by LIFE, the EU’s financial instrument for environmental, nature conservation and climate action projects. The EU is also active in finding nature-based solutions to support economic growth, create jobs and enhance our well-being.

The ‘NATURE@work’ photo competition is open to all European citizens over the age of 18 and invites them to submit photographs that illustrate any of the following three themes:

1. NATUREprovides: Can you capture in a photo the benefits nature makes available that you cherish most?
2. NATUREprotects: Have you noticed how the nature around you – in the countryside, your town or city, protects you?
3. NATUREinspires: Can you spot anything around you that was inspired by nature?

The winners in each category above will be awarded a cash prize. All entries may be promoted by the EEA and its partners across Europe. You can submit your photos until 15 August.

For more information on how to enter and the competition rules.

Last year’s winners of the ‘My City’ photo competition.