It is one of the oldest marine ecosystems in the world.

“The healthy population of crocodiles is due to the beautiful condition of the mangroves, and I wanted to capture this gentle giant up close in its natural habitat,” said winner Hoopermans.

“I hope this film succeeds in showing how important it is to protect areas like this.”

Mangroves represent a protection Important against climate change: 4,000 m2 of mangrove forest absorbs as much carbon dioxide as 4,000 m2 of Amazon rainforest.

These forests protect the shorelines from erosion due to frequent storms.

“The Mangrove Photography Awards has become a platform to sensitize people about the wonderful ecological role that mangroves play in all of our lives,” said Judge Thiruthiman Mukherjee.

Another judge, Octavio Aburto, added: “This year’s images captured our imagination… they give us hope and illuminate a positive future for mangrove ecosystems.”

Here is a selection of the winning films from the various categories of the competition.

winner Mangroves and MankindYes: CHoney Growers, Muhammad Mustafiqur Rahman, BangladeshIt is H

Honey hunters collect wild honey deep in the mangrove swamps of Bangladesh’s Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forests.

Recent human development and climate crisis in the region, particularly sea level rise, threaten the ecology of the Sundarbans and the way of life of local people.

A local fisherman casts his net in the white-flowered mangroves (Lumnitzera racemosa) of Bau Ca Cai, a protected area in Vietnam.

This photo was taken in late autumn when the trees had lost their leaves. It highlights the connection between vulnerable communities and nature.

success Belongs to the category Mangroves and Landscape: Dancing Trees Walagiri, Luik Dupuis, Indonesia

The sun rises on the quiet beaches of East Sumba, Indonesia.

Loïc Dupuis wanted to capture the beauty and fragility of this unique wonder.

SecondaryOne of Type Mangroves and Landscapes: Dreaming Life in the Mangroves, Melody Roberts, USA.

Sunrise reflection at Florida’s Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

success of Mangroves and Wildlife: take offJayakumar M.N. United Arab States

A greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) makes a migratory journey across Asia, often returning to the same coastal wetlands during the winter months.

SecondaryOne Mangroves and Wildlife: AndSpoonbills, Priscilla Foron, Brazil

Guaraqueçaba’s protected mangroves are an important destination for visitors, including this pair of Roseate Spoonbills (Platalea ajaja).

winner Type Mangroves and debGarlic EWater: Blue Crab, Martin Bron, Mexico

A blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) fishes in a unique transition between fresh and salt water in Mexican cenotes.

While probing through dark flooded caves, the photographer says he spotted the crab standing proudly against the mangrove roots.

SecondaryOne of Mangroves and Submarine: at the border, Jillian E Morris, Bahamas

The photographer says he wanted to show a different side to these young lemon sharks: a social side, a more vulnerable side.

All images are subject to copyright.

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