জলবায়ু বার্তায় বিশ্ব পরিবেশ দিবসের ফটো প্রতিযোগিতা

SPT News: An international photography competition focusing on climate action and environmental awareness has been announced in Kolkata to mark World Environment Day 2026. The initiative has been jointly organised by the British Deputy High Commission Kolkata, the Indo-British Scholars Association (IBSA), and the Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC).

The competition aims to encourage photographers and visual storytellers from across India and abroad to capture compelling narratives surrounding environmental conservation, climate change, sustainability, and innovative ecological solutions through the power of photography.

The initiative is supported by the Kolkata Society for Cultural Heritage (KSCH) and IEM-UEM University Kolkata. Selected photographs will be showcased at a special exhibition at Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC) from June 9 to June 13, 2026. Widely recognised as one of India’s leading contemporary art and exhibition spaces, KCC is expected to become a vibrant platform for discussions around climate awareness and environmental responsibility during the exhibition.

The competition is open to both amateur and professional photographers from India and overseas. Participants are encouraged to submit photographs highlighting themes such as biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, clean energy, community-driven climate action, and environmental innovation.

At a time when climate change has emerged as one of the world’s most pressing challenges, initiatives like these are being viewed as an important step towards raising public awareness. Increasing pollution, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and rising carbon emissions continue to threaten ecosystems and communities across the globe. Organisers believe that visual storytelling can play a powerful role in inspiring action and driving meaningful conversations around sustainability.

British Deputy High Commissioner for East and Northeast India, Dr Andrew Fleming, said, “Photography has a unique ability to transcend borders and connect people with the urgency of environmental challenges. Through this initiative, we hope to amplify voices and perspectives that not only highlight the risks before us but also showcase the solutions within our reach.”

He further added that stronger people-to-people partnerships between India and the United Kingdom are crucial in tackling climate-related challenges and building a more sustainable future.

The initiative also aligns with the broader goals of the India-UK Vision 2035 partnership, which focuses on collaboration, sustainability, and collective action to address global environmental concerns.

The judging panel for this year’s competition includes internationally acclaimed wildlife and conservation photographer Dhritiman Mukherjee, senior climate and energy adviser at the British Deputy High Commission Kolkata Haimanti Poddar, and award-winning wildlife and natural history filmmaker Ashwika Kapur.

Chairperson of KCC and CEO of Emami Art, Richa Agarwal, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration. She said that art and culture play an important role in shaping conversations about the future of society and the planet, and initiatives like this can encourage meaningful engagement on climate action and sustainability.

IBSA President Ritashree Ghosh said the exhibition aims to present impactful visual stories that can inspire awareness, encourage collective responsibility, and motivate people to work towards a greener future.

The programme is jointly organised by the British Deputy High Commission (BDHC) and the Indo-British Scholars Association (IBSA), with Kolkata Centre for Creativity serving as the venue partner. Supporting organisations for the initiative include Roundglass Sustain, Heritage Bengal Global Connect, and Vedic Village Spa Resort.

Organisers believe the competition will not only celebrate the art of photography but also strengthen the larger movement towards environmental responsibility and climate resilience. By bringing together photographers, artists, environmentalists, and citizens, the initiative aims to create a strong visual dialogue around sustainability and the urgent need for climate action.

As the world continues to confront environmental challenges, initiatives like the World Environment Day 2026 Photography Competition are expected to inspire communities and individuals to become more conscious about protecting the planet and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.