Vital Impact Environmental Photography Grant 2025: Capturing the Essence of Cape Verde's Biodiversity

Environmental Photography is increasingly playing a crucial role in raising awareness and documenting the transformations our planet is facing. In Cape Verde, an archipelago of singular beauty and fragile ecosystems, the ability to capture, through the lens, the richness of our biodiversity and the impacts of human action is fundamental. This article aims to present the "Vital Impact Environmental Photography Grant 2025", an initiative that aims to boost the production of high-quality photographic material that serves as a powerful tool for the preservation and promotion of Cape Verde's natural heritage.

The importance of environmental photography lies in its ability to communicate directly and emotionally. A picture is worth a thousand words, and in Cape Verde, where natural beauty merges with challenges such as the scarcity of water resources, coastal erosion and climate change, photographs can play a crucial role in raising public awareness and funds for conservation projects. Through an attentive and technically refined eye, photographers can reveal the complexity of island ecosystems, document endangered endemic species, illustrate sustainability efforts and expose the impacts of human activities on the environment.

This subsidy aims to support amateur and professional photographers who document Cape Verde's wildlife, landscapes and environmental dynamics. Eligible projects include themes such as marine conservation, the protection of birds and sea turtles, natural resource management, renewable energies, environmental education and adaptation to climate change. The grant will cover expenses related to equipment (rental or purchase), travelling within the archipelago, accommodation, image processing and, in some cases, photographers' fees.

The projects will be assessed by a committee made up of specialists in photography, environmental conservation and communication. The selection criteria will include, among others, the technical and aesthetic quality of the portfolio proposals, the relevance of the theme to the objectives of the grant, the feasibility of the project, the dissemination plan and the potential impact of the images on public awareness. Applicants must submit a detailed summary of their project, including a conceptual description, a timeline, a detailed budget and a selection of images representative of their previous work.

The results of the grant will be disseminated and the resulting photographic material will be exhibited in collaboration with non-governmental organisations, cultural centres and digital platforms. The selected photographs will be used in awareness campaigns, educational events, publications and exhibitions, with the aim of broadening the reach of the message and promoting the appreciation of Cape Verde's natural heritage. Sharing the work of the selected photographers, with due recognition, will contribute to building a network of collaborators dedicated to protecting Cape Verde's environment.

We believe that through this grant we can not only support the talent of local and international photographers, but also contribute to the creation of an invaluable visual archive that will serve as a testimony to Cape Verde's natural wonders and the challenges that threaten them. This archive will be a powerful tool for inspiring conservation actions, informing political decisions and promoting a more sustainable future for our archipelago.

Don't miss the chance to submit your project!

Application deadline: 14th September 2025

Link to application: [Link to the application platform]