Britta Jaschinski won the hearts twice at the 2026 PA2F Environmental Photography Prize.
- M Abti
- 16 hours ago
- 3 min read
Launched in 2021 by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to celebrate the Beauty of Nature while depicting its vulnerability due to complex climate challenges and human pressure, an annual competition continues to be a global success among those who use the camera as a meaningful storytelling tool. This year a snapshot got the Technical Jury in agreement twice. A truly special occasion for a unique edition of the Environmental Photography Award Exhibition which this year also celebrates the twentieth Anniversary of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
The prestigious Prix du Photographe Environnemental 2026 was given to Britta Jaschinski for her topical picture Handprint on Sea Turtle, also winner of the "Changemakers" Category. The German photo-journalist, naturalised British, is an award-winning wildlife photographer, known for her striking investigations into the relationship between human beings and nature. Her photography reveals crimes against the environment and wildlife, calling for concrete actions in favour of a more sustainable future. This great expressive ability was noticed and rewarded by the most popular prestigious international publications, including National Geographic, Time Magazine and GEO.
Selected from a staggering pool of nearly 10,000 international submissions, Jaschinski’s winning work stands out by bridging the gap between wildlife conservation and forensic science.
The photograph reveals a sinister human handprint illuminated by ultraviolet light and fluorescent powders on the shell of a Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas). While this visual trace of humanity might initially be unsettling, it is also a powerful symbol of scientific innovation. These investigative, forensic methods are actively used by researchers and law enforcement to catch wildlife poachers and dismantle international trafficking rings.
In this context, the photograph tells a story of proactive progress, notably: how human innovation gives a voice to endangered wildlife and transforms silent evidence into a powerful lever for accountability.
Britta Jaschinski expressed her deep gratitude for this endorsement, pointing out that this choice stresses the importance of her mission to put on paper the fragility of natural species, but also the essential role of science in protecting our extraordinary wildlife.
Sergio Pitamiz, National Geographic Professional Photographer and President of the Technical Jury, praised the intention of Jaschinski's lens not to create shocking or sensationalist images, while preferring a visual language that reaches the sensibilities of the general public, including the younger generations, who will play a key role in the future of our Planet.
The 36 finalist images—spanning categories from the ocean to polar regions—are currently being showcased in an international touring photo exhibition, which launched at the Promenade du Larvotto in Monaco, until the 30th July 2026.
Through the lens of photographers like Jaschinski, these images serve not just as art, but as an essential call to action, demanding that we recognise the fragility of our ecosystems and the vital, innovative tools we have to protect them. This is exactly the goal of this contest to encourage a collective commitment to the protection of living beings, as Romain Ciarlet, Vice-President and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation concluded. ***
FURTHER ENDORSEMENTS PA2F Environmental Photography Award
Spirits of the Falls by Arnaud Farré - Category: Forests and Students' Choice Award;
Born for the Oceans, Fated to the Flames by Fernando Faciole - Category: Humanity vs Nature;
Shearwater’s Dilemma by Henley Spiers - Category: Ocean;
The Gathering by Vadim Makhorov - Category: Polar Regions;
Koalas are Dying for You to Slow Down by Doug Gimesy - Category: Public Award.
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