Three dead flamingos in the foreground. Two men, wearing protective gear, in the background.
It is the subject that made Iran Mehdi Mohebi the Environmental Photographer of the Year in an award organized by the environmental organization the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).
– It indicates an impactful and surprising situation, said the jury reasons.
Several thousand birds died
The photo was taken at Miankaleh Lagoon northeast of the capital Tehran in 2021.
The photo shows how environmental officials clean up three of the thousands of birds that died suddenly in the area.
“Sewage beach” caused hatred
The cause is said to be a combination of toxic emissions and a lack of water.
Authorities are said to have been forced to take action to prevent the many birds dying from spreading the disease.
Photographer with a prayer
The award-winning photographer said in a press release that he was honored to emerge as the winner from the selection.
– Photographing the environment and showing the damage it causes is the biggest priority in my life. I want people around the world to know about this sad event, said photographer Mohebi Pour.
– If we don’t reassess our lifestyle and take care of the planet, this will soon happen in other countries, he added.
“Hardcore zombie fan. Incurable internet advocate. Subtly charming problem solver. Freelance twitter ninja.”
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