Organized by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM), the Environmental Photographer of the Year is an international showcase for the very best in amateur and professional environmental photography, and is one of the fastest growing photographic competitions in the world – receiving 4,500 entries from photographers in 97 countries in 2010.

As part of the Environmental Photographer of the Year, the Young Environmental Photographer of the Year categories promote the talents of anyone under the age of 21, whilst the remaining categories are open to photographers of all ages.

The Young Environmental Photographer of the Year is divided into two groups, one open to anyone under the age of 16 and the other open to those aged between 16 and 21. Photographers are encouraged to highlight issues important to their generation, explore their place in society or celebrate people, places and animals that they value. This competition actively encourages entries from beginners, as well as photography students.

The competition is completely free to enter and encourages entries that are contemporary, creative, resonant, original and beautiful. The winning photographs come together to form the most outstanding collection of environmental, social and natural photographs in the world. Individual pieces are judged on impact, creativity, composition, originality and technical abilities. Winners receive cash prizes and all winning entries are displayed in the Environmental Photographer of the Year exhibition, launched in London. Copyright is retained by the photographer.

See past winning entries, competition details and news coverage from 2010 at www.epoty.org . You can also watch a brief video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCj9Y_QiTe4 of the 2010 Awards Ceremony. You can also keep up to date with any new developments by joining our Facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=20793482240 group.

The competition will run until 31st July 2011, with judging taking place throughout August and September.

Students are encouraged to enter via www.epoty.org.  This is for professional and amateur photographers, so they actively encourage those with a general interest in the environment to enter as well. The competition is open until 5pm on 31st July 2011.