'Buoi Sang Cua Dan Co' (Morning of the Storks) by photographer Nguyen Quoc Huy won the top prize in the photo contest on Vietnamese wetlands.

The contest, which highlights the importance of conserving and sustainably using Vietnamese wetlands, was held from December 21, 2021 to May 31 by the Centre for Environment and Resources Communication under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Viet Nam Association of Photographic Artists (VAPA).

The contest aims to create an opportunity for all Vietnamese people of all ages, especially young people, to show off their talents and gain more knowledge and useful information about the country’s wetlands

According to Vu Minh Ly, vice director of the centre, the submitted works have a high artistic and aesthetic quality, deeply reflecting the natural ecosystems, the current situation of wetlands, values of biodiversity, rare and precious flora and fauna of the wetlands as well as the livelihood of the communities in the area.

After two rounds, the Jury Council selected 24 best works, among which, Morning of the Storks by Huy won the most votes to win first prize in the photo contest.

Bien Som (Sea at Dawn) by photographer Nguyen Phuc Anh. 

Three second prizes were awarded to Nguyen Phuc Anh from the northern province of Thai Binh with the work Bien Som (Sea at Dawn), Ton That Tuan Ninh from the central province of Dak Lak with Rung Chet (Dead Forest), and Vu Duc Phuong from the northern province of Ninh Binh with Ve Mien Co Tich (On the Fairyland).

In addition, the organisers decided to award five third prizes and 15 consolation prizes for works that have also deeply, comprehensively and truthfully reflected the natural ecosystems and the conditions of wetlands like Can Kiet (Depletion), Rac Thai - Moi Nguy Hai Doi Voi Moi Truong Bien (Waste - A Danger to the Marine Environment), or Hay Chung Tay Bao Ve Cac Loai Chim Yeu Quy (Let's Join Hands to Protect Our Beloved Birds).

The winning works can be seen on the website nhiepanhdoisong.vn.