I am thrilled to announce that my photograph titled “Human Disaster” has been shortlisted as a finalist in the prestigious Earth Photo 2024 competition. This international open call, co-founded by the UK’s Royal Geographical Society, Forestry England, and the visual art consultancy Parker Harris, aims to celebrate powerful images that tell compelling stories about our planet.

The Earth Photo 2024 Shortlist

Out of over 1,900 entries submitted by photographers and filmmakers worldwide, a panel of experts in photography, film, geography, and the environment meticulously curated the Earth Photo 2024 shortlist. Among the 112 captivating images and 13 thought-provoking videos, my work stands alongside those of 31 photographers and 13 filmmakers from diverse backgrounds.

Meet the Visionaries

Some of the talented artists featured in the Earth Photo 2024 shortlist include:

• Taylor Roades

• Jean-Marc Caimi & Valentina Piccinni

• Damith Osuranga Danthanarayana

• Sandipani Chattopadhyay

• Rebecca Conway

• Mominul Islam Momin

• Liz Miller Kovacs

• Arnfinn Johansen

• Elizabeth Woodger

• Markel Redondo

• Alex Cao

• TJ Watt

• Eric Nathan

• Jennifer Adler

• Elrea Song

And many more whose work resonates with the beauty, fragility, and complexity of our world.

“Human Disaster” My Shortlisted Photograph about the Sri Lanka’s Elephants and the Waste Crisis

The Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus maximus), a majestic symbol of intelligence and cultural heritage, faces an unprecedented challenge. Amidst lush forests and serene landscapes, a silent struggle unfolds—one that imperils both elephants and the communities they coexist with. Sri Lanka grapples with a significant human-elephant conflict, particularly pronounced in regions like Ampara. Here, the clash between human settlements and elephant habitats intensifies, resulting in tragic consequences for both species. The root cause? Improper waste management.

In Ampara, this photograph captures a distressing reality: elephants foraging through garbage heaps. Plastic waste, carelessly discarded by humans, poses a substantial threat to these gentle giants. The absence of efficient waste disposal systems exacerbates the problem, diverting elephants from their natural habitat.

The images reveal the stark truth: hungry elephants navigating heaps of trash. But it’s not just elephants. Dogs, birds, mice—all creatures desperate for sustenance—join this grim feast. The garbage pit, situated near the main road and a public crematorium, becomes a dangerous attraction for wildlife.

During our three-day exploration, we encountered a small elephant injured by a homemade explosive—an unfortunate consequence of living near garbage sites. Villagers, despite their challenges, harbor genuine affection for these magnificent animals. Yet, instances of elephant attacks, damaged homes, and ruined crops persist.

To capture these photographs, we remained in our vehicle, respecting the elephants’ space. However, the escalating conflicts demand immediate action. Conservation efforts and proper waste management are critical. We must safeguard both wildlife and communities. These poignant pictures serve as a reminder: our daily waste disposal practices have far-reaching consequences. As we share these images, our objective is clear—to educate the public about the perilous impact of irresponsible waste disposal. Let us foster a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife, ensuring a future where elephants roam freely and garbage no longer threatens their survival.

Prizes and Exhibition Details

The winners of Earth Photo 2024 will be announced at an awards ceremony held at the Royal Geographical Society in London on 17 June. The Earth Photo Award winner will receive a top cash prize of £1,000 for their outstanding photography project that illuminates life on our planet.

The Earth Photo 2024 exhibition will be open to the public from 18 June to 21 August. It promises to showcase the best photography capturing stunning landscapes, captivating fauna and flora, and poignant reminders of our planet’s vulnerability.

After its debut in London, the exhibition will tour the UK, visiting six Forestry England sites and five National Trust locations, as well as enchanting spots like the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall and the Sidney Nolan Trust in Herefordshire.

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