Deadline: 09-Aug-2026

The UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty is inviting photographers worldwide to participate in the international photo contest “Nomadic Cultures of Central Asia: Safeguarding Pastoralism Traditions and Biodiversity.” The competition celebrates nomadic heritage, pastoral traditions, biodiversity, and sustainable landscapes across Central Asia. Participation is free, and individuals aged 18 years or older may submit up to five original photographs.

UNESCO International Photo Contest Overview

The UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty has launched an international photography competition to promote awareness of the cultural and ecological importance of nomadic communities in Central Asia.

The contest encourages photographers to capture the relationship between pastoral traditions, biodiversity, cultural heritage, and sustainable livelihoods while highlighting the importance of preserving these unique landscapes and ways of life.

Purpose of the Contest

The photo contest aims to:

• Raise awareness of nomadic cultures in Central Asia
• Promote the safeguarding of pastoral traditions
• Highlight the importance of biodiversity conservation
• Showcase the relationship between people, livestock, and nature
• Encourage appreciation of intangible cultural heritage
• Inspire public understanding through visual storytelling

Contest Themes

Photographs should relate to one or more of the following themes.

Pastoralist Traditions

Capture images of:

• Traditional pastoral practices
• Objects linked to pastoral life
• Intangible cultural heritage
• Traditional knowledge and customs
• Cultural ceremonies related to pastoralism

Nomadic Communities and Their Way of Life

Photographs may feature:

• Daily life of nomadic communities
• Traditional lifestyles
• Seasonal migration
• Community activities
• Cultural identity and traditions

Livestock and Its Diversity

Images may highlight:

• Domestic livestock
• Indigenous animal breeds
• Herd management
• Animal diversity
• Human–livestock relationships

Biodiversity and Rangeland Landscapes

Suitable subjects include:

• Grasslands and rangelands
• Natural ecosystems
• Wildlife
• Landscapes supporting pastoral livelihoods
• Biodiversity conservation

Who is Eligible?

The contest is open to participants worldwide.

Eligible participants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be of any nationality
• Reside in any country

Participation is completely free of charge.

Submission Requirements

Participants must follow the official submission rules.

Number of Entries

• Each participant may submit 1 to 5 photographs

Originality

All submitted photographs must:

• Be the participant’s original work
• Not infringe any copyright
• Not violate the rights of third parties

Image Editing Rules

Permitted editing includes:

• Cropping
• Brightness adjustment
• Contrast adjustment
• Color balance correction

Not permitted:

• Artificial intelligence (AI)-generated images
• Images substantially altered using AI tools

Consent Requirements

If identifiable people appear in a photograph, participants are responsible for obtaining their permission before submission.

Content Restrictions

Photographs must not contain:

• Offensive content
• Discriminatory material
• Illegal content
• Unethical or inappropriate imagery

Entries violating these requirements will not be accepted.

How the Contest Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Choose a Theme

Select one or more of the official contest themes related to nomadic cultures and biodiversity.

Step 2: Capture Original Photographs

Take photographs that authentically represent the chosen theme while respecting local communities and cultural heritage.

Step 3: Edit Within the Rules

Only basic adjustments such as cropping, brightness, contrast, and color balance are allowed.

Do not use artificial intelligence to generate or significantly modify images.

Step 4: Obtain Required Permissions

If individuals can be identified in the photograph, obtain their consent for photography and publication.

Step 5: Submit Your Entries

Upload between one and five original photographs following the contest guidelines.

Why This Contest Matters

The contest contributes to:

• Preserving nomadic cultural heritage
• Promoting biodiversity conservation
• Raising awareness of sustainable pastoralism
• Encouraging cultural documentation through photography
• Supporting the protection of intangible cultural heritage
• Highlighting the environmental importance of rangeland ecosystems

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting AI-generated or AI-enhanced images
• Uploading copyrighted photographs
• Exceeding the maximum number of entries
• Forgetting to obtain consent from identifiable individuals
• Submitting photographs unrelated to the contest themes
• Including offensive or inappropriate content

Tips for a Strong Submission

• Focus on authentic storytelling
• Capture genuine moments of nomadic life
• Highlight the connection between people, livestock, and nature
• Use natural lighting whenever possible
• Keep image editing minimal
• Ensure photographs clearly reflect one or more contest themes
• Respect cultural traditions and local communities during photography

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can participate in the contest?

Anyone aged 18 years or older, regardless of nationality or country of residence.

2. Is there an entry fee?

No. Participation in the contest is completely free.

3. How many photographs can I submit?

Each participant may submit between one and five original photographs.

4. Can I use artificial intelligence to edit my images?

No. AI-generated images or photographs substantially modified using AI are not permitted.

5. What types of editing are allowed?

Basic editing such as cropping, brightness adjustment, contrast adjustment, and color balance correction is allowed.

6. Do I need permission from people appearing in my photographs?

Yes. Participants are responsible for obtaining consent from any identifiable individuals featured in submitted images.

7. What themes should my photographs cover?

Photographs should relate to pastoral traditions, nomadic communities, livestock diversity, or biodiversity and rangeland landscapes.

Conclusion

The UNESCO International Photo Contest provides photographers with an opportunity to celebrate the rich nomadic heritage and biodiversity of Central Asia through compelling visual storytelling. By documenting pastoral traditions, cultural identity, and natural landscapes, participants contribute to raising global awareness of the importance of safeguarding both intangible cultural heritage and fragile ecosystems.

The contest encourages authentic, ethical, and original photography that highlights the enduring relationship between people, culture, livestock, and the environment.

For more information, visit UNESCO.