Apply Now: Wiki Loves Earth in the Middle Belt 2026 (Nigeria)

Deadline: 30-Jun-2026

Wikimedia Commons is accepting photographs and videos that document protected natural areas in the Middle Belt of Nigeria. The competition offers prizes of up to NGN 100,000 for eligible submissions that highlight the region’s landscapes, flora, fauna, and natural heritage.

Overview

The competition encourages participants to document and promote the natural heritage of Nigeria’s Middle Belt through freely shared photographs and videos on Wikimedia Commons.

The initiative focuses on improving public awareness and increasing visual documentation of protected natural areas in the region.

Key Details

• Platform: Wikimedia Commons
• Location: Middle Belt of Nigeria
• Eligible content: Photographs and videos
• Subject: Protected natural areas, landscapes, flora, and fauna
• First prize: NGN 100,000
• Video prize: NGN 100,000
• Minimum file size: 2 megapixels

Focus Areas

• Protected natural areas
• Natural heritage documentation
• Landscapes
• Flora and fauna
• Biodiversity
• Conservation areas
• Wikimedia Commons photography
• Open knowledge
• Environmental awareness

Who is Eligible?

Participants may submit photographs or videos if:

• The file was created by the person uploading it.
• The submission depicts a protected area in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
• The image or video shows landscapes, flora, fauna, or natural heritage features.
• The file meets the minimum quality requirement of 2 megapixels.
• The submission includes descriptive details.

What Can Be Submitted?

Eligible submissions may include:

• Photos of protected natural areas
• Videos of protected natural areas
• Landscapes in the Middle Belt
• Flora found in protected areas
• Fauna found in protected areas
• Species documented within eligible locations

Prizes and Awards

• First prize: NGN 100,000
• Second prize: NGN 70,000
• Third prize: NGN 50,000
• Video prize: NGN 100,000

Submission Requirements

Each submission must:

• Be at least 2 megapixels in size.
• Be taken by the person uploading the file.
• Depict a protected area in the Middle Belt of Nigeria.
• Include flora and fauna found in the area where relevant.
• Include the name of the location or species.
• Include coordinates where possible.

How It Works

Step 1: Visit a Protected Natural Area

Choose a protected natural area within Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.

Step 2: Capture Original Photos or Videos

Take clear photographs or videos showing the landscape, flora, fauna, or protected environment.

Step 3: Prepare Descriptive Details

Prepare the name of the location, species details where relevant, and coordinates where possible.

Step 4: Upload to Wikimedia Commons

Upload the photographs or videos to Wikimedia Commons according to the competition requirements.

Step 5: Check Eligibility

Ensure the file meets the minimum size requirement and clearly depicts an eligible protected area.

Why It Matters

The competition helps document Nigeria’s natural heritage and makes visual knowledge freely available online.

It matters because it:

• Promotes the Middle Belt’s biodiversity.
• Improves Wikimedia Commons and Wikimedia projects.
• Raises awareness of protected natural areas.
• Encourages environmental documentation.
• Supports public access to open educational media.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

• Uploading images or videos taken by someone else
• Submitting files below 2 megapixels
• Uploading content outside the Middle Belt region
• Submitting content that does not show a protected area
• Forgetting location or species details
• Leaving out coordinates when available
• Uploading unclear or low-quality files

Tips for Strong Submissions

• Capture sharp and clear images.
• Show the protected area clearly.
• Include accurate location details.
• Add species names where possible.
• Use natural lighting.
• Submit files that are useful for educational and Wikimedia purposes.
• Include coordinates to improve verification and discoverability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this competition about?

It is a Wikimedia Commons competition encouraging photographs and videos of protected natural areas in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

What region does the competition cover?

The competition covers the Middle Belt region of Nigeria.

What type of content is accepted?

Participants may submit photographs or videos of protected natural areas, landscapes, flora, and fauna.

What is the minimum file requirement?

Each submission must be at least 2 megapixels.

Who must take the photograph or video?

The person uploading the file must have taken the photograph or video themselves.

What prizes are available?

The prizes are NGN 100,000 for first place, NGN 70,000 for second place, NGN 50,000 for third place, and NGN 100,000 for the video prize.

What details should be included?

Submissions should include the name of the location or species and coordinates where possible.

Conclusion

The Wikimedia Commons competition for Nigeria’s Middle Belt encourages contributors to document protected natural areas through original photographs and videos. By sharing images of landscapes, flora, fauna, and biodiversity, participants help promote the region’s natural heritage while improving open knowledge resources on Wikimedia Commons.

For more information, visit Wikimedia Commons.