CIWEM’s Environmental Photographer of the Year, is drawing to a close with entries accepted until 5pm 31st July 2009.

The Environmental Photographer of the Year is open to all professional and amateur photographers worldwide. This year’s categories are Mott MacDonald’s Changing Climates; Black & Veatch’s World of Difference; Quality of Life; The Natural World; and Young Environmental Photographer of the Year (Under 21). It encourages entries that are contemporary, creative, experimental, resonant, original and beautiful.

Last year, the Environmental Photographer of the Year received over 1,400 entries and the 2009 competition has already received hundreds of entries from photographers in over 30 countries, including Hungary, Poland, Bangladesh, Serbia, Israel, Bulgaria, Pakistan, The Netherlands, Zimbabwe and the UK. Images typically examine issues such as climate change, environmental degradation and social inequity or celebrate the incredible variety and beauty that exists within our natural environment.

The judging panel is made up of some of the most respected environmental photographers in the industry, including Gary Braasch, winner of the Ansel Adams Award for Conservation Photography, Anthony Epes and Ronnie Israel, as well as senior environmentalists including Lord Smith, the Chairman of the Environment Agency, and Nick Reeves, Executive Director of CIWEM.

Individual pieces of work will be judged on impact, creativity, composition, originality and technical abilities. Winners will share a prize fund of nearly £4,000, receive fantastic media coverage and will be displayed at the Environmental Photographer of the Year Exhibition, to  be launched at 3 Bedfordbury Gallery, Covernt Garden, London on 8th October. To enter, go to www.ciwem.org/arts/photographer.