Join the South African National Committee for UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) in celebrating the 50th anniversary of UNESCO IHP by entering the Photo Story Competition.
“A picture is worth a thousand words’’
Photography turns abstract concepts into visual realities, tells inspiring stories in an instant, and helps spread awareness on water issues through accessible means.
Why Participate?
Winners will be exhibited at curated exhibition by UNISA
Awards for winners
Featured in the South Africa Photo Story Book
Free copy of Photo Story book for winners
Recognition and visibility through South African National Committee for UNESCO IHP channels and initiatives internationally.
5 Themes to Explore to tell your story
Water & Citizen Science
Water & Partnerships
Water & Education
Water & Culture
Water & Communities
Each photo story should speak to one of the 5 themes. You can submit a maximum of 3 Photo Story entries by a single photographer.
How to Enter
Submit minimum of 3 and maximum 8 photographs that tell a cohesive story on one of the 5 themes, along with title, overall story of 200-500 words, names of the author(s), photograph location in South Africa.
Photo Requirements
Photographs should be .jpg or .png format.
Minimum resolution of 1920 x 1080
Minimum file size of 2MB for photographs taken using a cell phone camera.
Submit before: 26 March 2025
Winners Announced: April 2025
Competition Rules and guidelines and Photo Licence Agreement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Photo Story Competition
1. Who is eligible to participate in the competition?
The competition is open to individuals aged 18 years and older. Participation is free, and both amateur and professional photographers are welcome.
2. What are the themes for the photo stories?
Your photo story should explore one or more of the following themes:
Water & Citizen Science
Water & Partnerships
Water & Education
Water & Culture
Water & Communities
3. Can I submit more than one entry?
Yes, participants may submit up to three photo story entries. Each entry should be submitted separately and must meet the competition’s guidelines.
4. What are the technical requirements for the photos?
Photos should be in JPEG or PNG format.
Minimum resolution of 1920 x 1080
Minimum file size of 2MB for photographs taken using a cell phone camera
Each photo should not exceed 10 MB in size.
Entrants are encouraged to retain high-resolution and/or RAW files for potential future use.
5. What are some of the rules that will disqualify an entry?
No animals, people, or any living beings should be harmed or manipulated in the making of the image.
By entering the competition, you accept the Submission Rules and the Terms and Conditions.
Submissions containing inappropriate content, such as obscene or defamatory material, will be disqualified.
If selected as a finalist or winner, you may be asked to provide a high-resolution image for printing and display.
6. What are the judges looking for?
The judges are looking for:
1. Relevance of your story to the competition theme or themes.
2. Creativity expressed
3. Originality
4. Photographic ability
5. Clear photographs
6. Persuasiveness of the story being illustrated
Entries will be judged by a panel of judges, with scoring done anonymously using contestant codes to ensure fairness.
The decision of the judges and the South African National Committee (SANC) for UNESCO IHP is final, and no negotiation will be entertained.
7. Will there be any prizes for the winners?
Yes, prizes will be awarded to the top three entries. Top 15 to 20 entries will be featured in a SANC for UNESCO IHP Photo Story book publication and exhibited at curated event. The overall winners will be notified by email.
1st place:
Opportunity to showcase photo story at an international event in Paris
Gold recognition certificate
Featured in photo story book
Free copy photo story book
Exhibited at the prestigious Launch of the Photo Book in June 2025
2nd place:
Silver recognition certificate
Featured in photo-book
Free copy photo story book
Exhibited at the prestigious Launch of the Photo Book in June 2025
3rd place:
Bronze recognition certificate
Featured in photo story book
Free copy photo story book
Exhibited at the prestigious Launch of the Photo Book in June 2025
8. What are the image rights and usage terms?
As the author, you retain full ownership of the copyright in each entry.
By entering, you grant SANC for UNESCO IHP a non-exclusive, irrevocable license to use your image for marketing and promotional purposes related to the competition for a maximum of three years after February 2025.
Any photograph used by SANC for UNESCO IHP will include a credit line to the author.
9. When will the winners be announced?
Winners will be announced online after the competition concludes. The overall winner will be notified by email and must respond by the specified date to confirm their win.
10. Who do I contact for further inquiries?
For any additional questions, please contact the event organizers at ihp50photostory@dws.gov.za
Documents:
UNESCO IHP Flagships Initiative
IHP-IX (2022-2029) Strategy
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