Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) Ukraine, in partnership with the Carpathian Mountain International Film Festival (CMIFF), hosted the “Carpathians’ Life” photo contest for the 3rd time, showcasing the rich ecological diversity and cultural heritage of the Carpathians, while paying tribute to life in the protected areas supporting those affected by war.
Carpathians’ Life: FZS Ukraine Photo Contest
The Ukrainian Carpathians are known for their large-scale primeval and old-growth forests. It is a unique spot in Europe. In those rural areas nature, wildlife and people are closely linked and the contest captured both: photos of traditional sheep grazing, seasonal crocus blooms, and the everyday activities of local people – who also happen to be the highest altitude residents of Ukraine.
Artur Abramiv claimed the top spot in the “People of the Carpathians” category. Dunets Roman, Hanna Ponomarenko and Zysko Serhiy won in the “Landscape”, “Wildlife” and “Audience Sympathy Prize” categories, respectively. The works of the winners of the photo contest will be displayed in spring 2024 as a photo exhibition in the protected areas and local communities of the Ukrainian Carpathians.
Congratulations to the winners of the competition and thanks to all participants. By supporting this contest, we wanted to raise attention to the importance of preserving the Ukrainian Carpathians, especially in this difficult time. The fascinating nature of the region is not only crucial for preserving the wildlife and supporting the life of local inhabitants, but it also plays and will play for many years a key role in the recovery and healing of Ukrainians.
Since the beginning of the war in 2022, the Ukrainian Carpathians have also become a refuge for people fleeing the conflict in the east of the country. FZS and our partners have continuously supported the protected areas and the internally displaced people they are hosting.
Our goal, unaltered by the war’s escalation, remains to effectively and sustainably protect the ecological systems and services of the Carpathian Mountains. Currently, we are supporting 19 protected areas in Ukraine, including the Carpathian Mountains, national parks and biosphere reserves and will continue to provide much-needed support and supplies to the protected areas in both Polesia and the Carpathians.
If you wish to support these protected areas during this crisis, please visit our donation page. To learn more about the fundraiser visit our dedicated website page.
