Award-winning writer, broadcaster and wildlife photographer Mark Carwardine to judge 2023 Galapagos Photography Competition

Pictured above, last year's first place overall winner: Waved Albatrosses by Enzo-Reyes

Mark Carwardine, co-presenter of 'Last Chance to See' with Stephen Fry, will be joining this year's Galapagos Photography Competition judging panel, along with documentary producer and director Jo Haley, who is currently working on the BBC's forthcoming series 'Blue Planet III'.

They will be joined by Galapagos naturalist guide and professional photographer Walter Perez, and expedition travel expert Edwina Lonsdale, co-owner and managing director of competition sponsor Mundy Adventures.

Galapagos Conservation Trust's annual photography competition celebrates the wonders of the Galapagos Islands, while also raising awareness of the environmental issues that affect the Archipelago's unique wildlife. With tourist numbers in Galapagos returning to pre- pandemic levels in 2022, GCT is encouraging those who have been lucky enough to visit to send in their photos.

Mark Carwardine is a zoologist, environmental activist, award-winning writer, TV and radio presenter, wildlife photographer, best-selling author, wildlife tour operator and leader, lecturer and magazine columnist. Mark co-presented the BBC series 'Last Chance to See' with Stephen Fry and was Chairman of the Judging Panel of the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition for seven years. He was also picked as one of the 'world's best photographers' for the COP26 climate change conference held in Glasgow in 2021.

Jo Haley has been making documentaries for 12 years, working on landmark wildlife programmes including 'Planet Earth 2', 'Dynasties' and 'Seven Worlds: One Planet'. Her next venture is the BBC's forthcoming series 'Blue Planet III'. She has directed wildlife shoots across five continents and has spent eight months shooting on location in Galapagos, capturing everything from the tortoises of Alcedo and the vampire finches of Wolf to the sea lions of Santa Fe and the diving iguanas of Fernandina.

Walter Perez is a professional photographer and naturalist who has been working in Galapagos for over two decades. Born in a small town in mainland Ecuador, Walter made his first trip to the Islands at the age of 12, and has been working as a naturalist guide for over 15 years. Walter is co-author of 'Galápagos: Life in Motion', published by Princeton University Press in 2018.

Edwina Lonsdale is co-owner and managing director of Mundy Adventures, a London-based travel agency specialising in small ship expedition cruises. Edwina's distinguished 40-year career in travel has taken her to incredible wildlife destinations including the Galapagos Islands, the Arctic and Costa Rica.

This year's competition categories are Birds of Galapagos, Coastal and Marine, Up Close and Personal, Animals in Action, Landscape, and Urban Life. Following an announcement of the winners, there will be a Public Choice vote including all of the winners and runners-up as well as some of the shortlisted images. The overall winner of the 2023 competition will have their image included in GCT's 2024 calendar, receive a year's free membership of GCT and win a pair of Celestron Ultima binoculars, ideal for birding and wildlife watching.

The 2023 Galapagos Photography Competition is open until Monday 5th June 2023 with winners announced in July. To enter the competition and for terms and conditions, please visit galapagosconservation.org.uk/get-involved/photography-competition.

Third place overall winner: Galapagos Shark by Ian Henderson