Stunning Wildlife Images Take Center Stage at 2026 Environmental Photography Awards
This year’s Environmental Photography Award has crowned British-German photographer Britta Jaschinski as its grand winner, spotlighting her powerful image “Handprint on Sea Turtle” that merges art with wildlife crime investigation. The winning shot, also victorious in the “Agents of Change” category, reveals a hidden battle beneath the ocean’s surface—one where science and photography collide to protect endangered species.
The photograph, at first glance, appears to capture a serene underwater moment with a green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). But under ultraviolet light, Jaschinski’s lens exposes a chilling human imprint: fluorescent traces of fingers, blood and other forensic evidence left by poachers. The image serves as a stark reminder of the illegal wildlife trade even as showcasing the innovative techniques used to combat it.
“I am deeply grateful to H.S.H. Prince Albert II and his Foundation for bringing us together in the fight to protect our precious planet,” Jaschinski said in her acceptance statement. “It’s an immense honor to be named Environmental Photographer of 2026, recognized by such a prestigious jury among images of this caliber. My work aims to highlight the fragility of species while celebrating the science that gives wildlife a voice—turning evidence into a powerful tool for awareness and accountability.”
The photograph was developed in collaboration with forensic experts Dr. Alexandra Thomas and Louise Gibson of the ZSL Wildlife Forensic Lab in London. Their cutting-edge techniques, including fluorescent dyes that detect biological traces invisible to the naked eye, are helping law enforcement dismantle illegal wildlife trafficking networks. The stakes are high: six of the world’s seven sea turtle species are currently classified as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered due to human activity, habitat destruction, and marine pollution.
The Environmental Photography Award, established in 2021 by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, has quickly become a global platform for visual storytelling that bridges environmental advocacy and art. This year’s competition featured 36 official selections across five categories—”Agents of Change,” “Forests,” “Humanity vs. Nature,” “Ocean,” and “Polar Regions”—with each category winner receiving a €1,000 prize.
Among the standout finalists was Maud Delaflotte’s “Insects, Architects of a Sustainable Future,” which highlights the often-overlooked role of insects in building a greener world. Another finalist, Morgan Heim, drew attention to the conservation efforts for the curlew, a bird species facing declining populations. These images, along with the other selections, underscore the award’s mission to use photography as a catalyst for environmental action.
The polar regions category, a key focus of the competition, featured images from the Arctic and Antarctic, including the northern reaches of Russia, Scandinavia, Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and remote Sub-Antarctic islands like South Georgia and the Kerguelen Archipelago. These regions, often seen as pristine and untouched, are increasingly threatened by climate change and human encroachment, making their preservation a critical global priority.
Jaschinski’s work has been featured in some of the world’s most prestigious publications, including National Geographic, Time Magazine, and GEO. Her distinctive style—blending investigative journalism with breathtaking visuals—has made her a leading voice in environmental photography. The recognition from the Environmental Photography Award further cements her role as an artist who doesn’t just document the natural world but actively fights to protect it.
As the entertainment industry increasingly embraces sustainability narratives, from documentaries to celebrity-led conservation campaigns, awards like this one play a crucial role in shaping public perception. These images don’t just capture moments—they tell stories that resonate far beyond the frame, urging viewers to see the natural world not just as a backdrop for human activity, but as a fragile ecosystem worth fighting for.
For those eager to explore the full collection of this year’s winners and finalists, the Environmental Photography Award’s official website offers a deeper dive into the stories behind each image. The exhibition serves as both a celebration of artistic talent and a call to action, proving that a single photograph can change the way we see the world—and our place in it.
