We’re celebrating International Day for Biological Diversity by announcing the winners of CEPF’s 2025 grantee photo and video contest!

This year’s contest was also a way for us to celebrate CEPF’s 25th anniversary by showcasing the amazing work our grantees are doing to conserve species and ecosystems in biodiversity hotspots around the world.

The theme of the International Day for Biological Diversity this year is “Harmony with nature and sustainable development” and the winners of this year’s contest all demonstrate how respecting, protecting and repairing our ecosystems can help both people and nature to flourish.

Congratulations to this year’s contest winners and a huge thank you to all of our grantees who participated!

First-place winner

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Caption: 

Black-and-chestnut eagle (Spizaetus isidori).

Credit: 

© Jaime Culebras

The black-and-chestnut eagle (Spizaetus isidori) is the main aerial predator in the Tropical Andes. It plays a fundamental role in controlling the populations of medium-sized mammal and bird species. However, it is also a highly threatened species. In Ecuador, its population is estimated at fewer than 250 individuals, which is why it is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The low number of individuals and the loss of more than 70% of the native forests of the Tropical Andes—where this majestic raptor lives—as well as illegal hunting, are causing a decline in its population. Taken in Cosanga, Napo Province, Ecuador, this photo shows a female eagle impatient for the arrival of the male, who is in search of prey for her and her young.

The CEPF project by Fundación Cóndor Andino to support the conservation of this species in five Key Biodiversity Areas in Ecuador aims to implement measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflict related to livestock predation by eagles, conduct environmental education and communication for children and adults, and establish a hotspot-wide network and digital platform dedicated to the eagle’s conservation.

“Facebook Favorite” Photo

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Caption: 

Burmese roofed turtle (Batagur trivittata).

Credit: 

© Myo Min Win

The Burmese roofed turtle (Batagur trivittata), an aquatic turtle endemic to Myanmar's major river systems, is listed as Critically Endangered. Once common, populations declined drastically due to overharvesting of eggs, incidental capture in fishing gear, conversion of nesting habitats to agriculture and gold mining. By 2000, the species was presumed extinct until it was rediscovered in 2001. Currently, fewer than five adult females remain in the wild.

Conservation efforts began in 2003 with captive breeding at Mandalay Zoo, followed by a head-starting program initiated in 2006 by the Turtle Survival Alliance at the Linpha base station in the Upper Chindwin Region. Today, over 2,000 individuals are conserved across five assurance colonies in Myanmar and one at the Singapore Zoo. Reintroduction programs began in 2015, and over 200 turtles have since been released into the Chindwin River. In 2024, the trackway of a small turtle was found on a riverbank downstream from the release area, indicating that some head-started subadults had survived and contributed to the wild population. These findings underscore the potential of reintroduction programs in restoring this Critically Endangered species.

Myo Min Win, research officer at the Myanmar Biodiversity Fund, has been involved in freshwater turtle conservation throughout Myanmar, with a particular focus on the Burmese roofed turtle. This photo was taken in 2019 on the riverbank of the Chindwin River. “We monitored the nesting beach along the Chindwin River, collected the turtles’ eggs and moved them to a secure location within 24 hours. All the remaining wild female turtles are found only in this area, with just 10 surviving females left in the world. I took this photo while monitoring the emergence of baby turtles from their eggs on the bank of the Chindwin River,” said Myo Min Win.

“Facebook Favorite” Video

The project "Conservation Planning and Implementation to Safeguard the Puya raimondii of Bolivia" aims to protect this iconic species, the largest bromeliad in the world, found only in a few scattered locations across Bolivia and Peru. In Bolivia, Puya raimondii faces severe threats from habitat degradation, mining, overgrazing, uncontrolled fires, and climate change.

To address these challenges, Bolivian organization El Centro de Estudios en Biología Teórica y Aplicada (BIOTA) is implementing a comprehensive conservation strategy with three main pillars:

• Education: Raising awareness among local communities—especially youth and women—about biodiversity and sustainable practices.
• Community-based tourism: Promoting sustainable tourism that benefits local families and highlights the natural and cultural heritage of the Comanche area.
• Biodiversity conservation: Protecting existing Puya raimondii populations, restoring degraded areas, and establishing new protected zones with local participation.

The project is funded by CEPF with support from the Government of Canada. It is administered in Bolivia by BIOTA and is being carried out through the collaboration of several institutions: the National Herbarium of Bolivia, the Missouri Botanical Garden, Sustainable Development Solutions Network - Bolivia, the Instituto Tecnológico de Mirikiri, and the Municipal Government of Comanche, in close coordination with local community leaders.

"Conserving Puya raimondii offers a strong link between science, local knowledge and practical action. Together with the community of Comanche, we’re building something meaningful—where conservation, education and community-based tourism go hand in hand to strengthen local identity, promote learning and support long-term well-being. It’s a journey of shared discovery and deep commitment."
— Carla Maldonado, Project Coordinator

“Promoting community-based tourism centered on Critically Endangered species like Puya raimondii is a powerful strategy for conservation. By turning biodiversity into a source of sustainable income, local communities become active stewards of their environment. In Comanche, we are linking conservation with meaningful livelihood opportunities through tourism experiences that highlight the ecological and cultural value of this iconic high-Andean species. This not only raises awareness among visitors, but also fosters pride and strengthens the collective commitment to protecting natural heritage.”
— Daniela Cubas, Tourism Component Coordinator

"Conserving Puya raimondii is about more than just protecting a special and endangered species; it means valuing local knowledge and the daily connection people have with it in Comanche. Through education, we are working to make this connection stronger to help care for the Puya and its environment."
— Tania Imaña Loza, Education Component Coordinator

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You can view all the incredible entries from this year’s photo contest in the CEPF 2025 Photo and Video Contest album on Facebook. Thank you all the contest entrants and to everyone who voted to help us pick this year's winners!