Geographical

Official magazine of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

The winners of the Mangrove Photography Awards 2025

4 minutes

Mother" is a word that needs no separate definition. The word "mother" is formed with the pronunciation "m" which is present in all languages like Maa/Amma etc. Even in the sound of various animals calling their mother, the influence of "M" can be seen. Nature's own part is this "Mother" race. So perhaps such is the similarity of these words. In this picture, two mothers are holding by their hand and protecting their child. Mother nature and jungle cat mother.
One of the winners of this year’s Mangrove Photography Awards competition. Image: Satyaki Naha

Stunning images showing the importance and beauty of the world’s mangrove forests

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This year, 3,303 entries from 78 nations entered the 11th Mangrove Photography Awards, an initiative of Mangrove Action Project. With subcategories ranging from Wildlife, Landscape and People, entries were varied across a plethora of subjects.

Judged by experts in the field who are passionate about merging photography with storytelling, this year’s panel includes Thai photojournalist and marine biologist Sirachai “Shin” Arunrugstichai; award-winning wildlife photographer Chien Lee; and underwater photographer, videographer, and shark naturalist Tanya Houppermans.

Here we present a selection of the winning images across all categories.

Blacktip Reef Shark in the Mangroves by Kiliii Yuyan

A juvenile blacktip reef shark swims in its mangrove lagoon nursery in Palau.

Juvenile blacktip reef sharks cruise in the shallows under the mangroves in a portion of Palau’s Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. At this site known as shark city, tour operators will throw their leftover lunches for the sharks to eat, bringing them close for tourists to enjoy. Sharks are protected in Palau- it was the first nation to declare itself a shark sanctuary.

Nets by Saneet Kumar Goud Konduri

Picture of a fish with fishermen in the background. “The fishermen and the fish”

A Snack in the Mangrove Forest by Satwika Satria

A young proboscis monkey enjoys an avicennia fruit amidst the dense mangrove forest. “This juvenile proboscis monkey is seen savoring an avicennia fruit it found. The avicennia fruit is one of the primary food sources for proboscis monkeys. This image highlights the vital role of mangrove ecosystems in supporting the survival of this endangered species.”

This juvenile proboscis monkey is seen savouring an avicennia fruit it found. The avicennia fruit is one of the primary food sources for proboscis monkeys. This image highlights the vital role of mangrove ecosystems in supporting the survival of this endangered species.

Guardian of the Underworld by Rodolphe Guignard

Crocodile underwater

In Mayan culture, the crocodile is a sacred creature. It links earth, air and water. It is linked not only to nature, but also to the underworld, the place where souls wander. For the Mayans of Yucatan, cenotes are doorways to the underworld.

And in mythology, the crocodile floated on the edge between the world of the living and that of the dead. This image of the crocodile, floating on the surface of this cenote, perfectly illustrates this sacred legend.

Cracked Earth by Muhammad Amdad Hossain

A determined woman and her grandson collect water from the last remnants of a drought-stricken landscape in Shyamnagar, Khulna. Despite living near a river, they walk 2–3 km daily to find drinkable water due to salinity intrusion, a result of rising sea levels and reduced rainfall affecting the coastal mangrove community.

A determined woman and her grandson collect water from the last remnants of a drought-stricken landscape in Shyamnagar, Khulna. Despite living near a river, they walk 2–3 km daily to find drinkable water due to salinity intrusion, a result of rising sea levels and reduced rainfall affecting the coastal mangrove community.

Mother’s Protection by Satyaki Naha

Mother" is a word that needs no separate definition. The word "mother" is formed with the pronunciation "m" which is present in all languages like Maa/Amma etc. Even in the sound of various animals calling their mother, the influence of "M" can be seen. Nature's own part is this "Mother" race. So perhaps such is the similarity of these words. In this picture, two mothers are holding by their hand and protecting their child. Mother nature and jungle cat mother.

Grace in Formation by Shyjith Onden Cheriyath

Captured at dawn in the serene wetlands of Al Zorah Mangrove Reserve, UAE, this aerial photograph showcases a graceful formation of flamingos wading through still, shallow waters.

The tranquil blue reflections of the mangroves and skyline create a striking visual contrast, highlighting the harmony between urban development and fragile natural ecosystems. This image celebrates the unique biodiversity of the Al Zorah Mangroves—a sanctuary where wildlife thrives amidst rapid urban growth. The photograph was taken as part of a commitment to document and protect the UAE’s critical mangrove habitats through the lens of wildlife photography.

Avian Impressionism by Mark Ian Cook

Blue-winged Teal create ephemeral artwork as they dabble for food in the chai-coloured shallows of Florida Bay, Florida.

Blue-winged Teal create ephemeral artwork as they dabble for food in the chai-coloured shallows of Florida Bay, Florida.

Flower of Mangrove by Kaushik Ghosh

After hours of tracking through the mangroves, the elusive tiger finally revealed itself in the afternoon — emerging beneath the Hental tree, like a blossom unfolding in the wild. A perfect harmony of predator and habitat.