“Trees and Forests of Turkey” Photo Competition" 

The Delegation of the European Commission to Turkey launches a photo competition today entitled, “Trees and Forests of Turkey” as part of its 2007-2008 communication activities under the theme of “environment”. The competition is open to all amateurs and professionals, who are invited to submit a photo by 23 June 2008.

“Environment is one of the main priorities of the European Union. The Union works for preserving nature and biodiversity, ensuring cleaner air and fighting climate change. In achieving all these goals, forests play a key role”, stated Ambassador Marc Pierini, Head of the Delegation of the European Commission to Turkey. “The photo competition aims to redraw the public attention to environmental issues and contribute to the awareness raising efforts in the field,” said the Ambassador.

All amateur and professional photographers from Turkey and across the EU can enter the competition by submitting a maximum of three black and white and/or colour photos taken after 1 January 2007 in Turkey. Throughout the competition there will be continuous online public voting and winners of the week and month, as well as the whole period will be selected. In addition, a professional jury will select a winner and first and second-runner up at the end of the competition.

The winner of the competition as well as the first and second runner-up will receive cameras and lenses along with a one-year subscription to the National Geographic Turkey Magazine. Additionally, as a result of online voting, winners of the week and month will be awarded environment related publications while the owner of the photo receiving the highest number of online votes will be awarded a two-year subscription to the National Geographic Turkey Magazine.

The “Trees and Forests of Turkey” competition is organised in partnership with the National Geographic Turkey Magazine, with support from Radio Mydonose. 

Those who submit photos and/or votes for the competition, will be contributing to the foundation of the “Turkey and Europa Forest” in Ankara and will receive electronic certificates. The last day to enter the competition is 23 June 2008.

Detailed information on the competition, entry rules and regulations can be obtained from the official website of the Delegation of the European Commission to Turkey: www.avrupa.info.tr

For any further information, please contact Selda Duzenli (selda.duzenli@ec.europa.eu)