Skip to content
Solomon Islands

2025 Oceania Photo Contest

A man with bolt cutters under water trying to cut a chain off a wild whale's tail.

The Nature Conservancy are proud to announce the Solomon Islands winners of the 2025 Photo Contest.

November 19, 2025

Grand Prize Winner: Tauhi A day I never imagined—we answered a call about an entangled humpback whale thrashing in distress. Arriving, we saw a heavy rusted chain cutting deep into her tail. Diving in, we worked carefully and silently to free her. © Miesa Grobbelaar

With over 3,500 photos submitted from across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, the second year of the contest has seen an increase of over 87% in entries submitted, including 119 from Solomon Islands photographers.

Solomon Islands Category Winner, People & Nature

Riley Joe, Nature vs human

Nature vs human The relationship between people and nature is something beyond understanding. Took this photo during a Cultural preservation ceremony back in 2023. © Riley Joe

Solomon Islands Category Winner, Climate

Zorik Olangi, Mud Invasion

Mud Invasion This photo depicts the effect of climate change and deforestation from local people cutting trees along the rivers and streams to make gardens. As seen in this photo, the local fishermen are casting their net on a sea bed and coral reef system covered with silt, clay, and mud washed down into the beautiful harbour here, killing most of the sea ecosystem, especially the reef making it hard for local fishermen to catch fish. © Zorik Olangi

Solomon Islands Category Winner, Lands

Jason Gagame, Rivers of Green

Rivers of Green An aerial view of mangrove forests winding like veins across the land, where rivers flow toward the sea under a storm-lit sky. This landscape tells a story of resilience, where land, water, and climate converge to sustain life. A reminder of the fragile balance that protects our coasts and communities. © Jason Gagame

Solomon Islands Category Winner, Water

Zahiyd Namo, Journey of Tepuke canoe

Journey of Tepuke canoe The Tepuke Canoe is a traditional canoe made of bush materials. It belongs to our people from the Duff Islands [Taumako]. This year, 2025, it made a very long-distance journey from the Duff Islands in Temotu Province and sailed to Honiara for the Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Honiara. This shot was captured while the Tepuke canoe was heading for the Honiara Yacht Club. © Zahiyd Namo

Solomon Islands Category Winner, Wildlife

Logan Satu, Emerald on Bark: The Small Predator's Ascent

Emerald on Bark: The Small Predator's Ascent This image was captured during the early afternoon and it beautifully captures the stealth and resilience of small wildlife. The bright, almost electric green of the gecko, contrasting sharply with the rough, dark texture of the tree bark, speaks to the theme of camouflage and adaptation, nature's essential tools for survival. It urges us to slow down and appreciate the little things around us. It's a testament to the power and beauty found in every bit of the natural world. © Logan Satu

More stories

People on a platform surrounded by a wide expanse of water.

2024 Oceania Photo Contest: Solomon Islands Winners

The Nature Conservancy is proud to announce the Solomon Islands winners of our 2024 Oceania Photo Contest!

Women smiling.

The KAWAKI Women’s Group: Turtle Advocates

Dedicated to raising conservation awareness, women from three communities unite as the KAWAKI’s women group to protect sea turtles in the Solomon Islands.

Leatherback turtle swimming in the ocean.

Solomon Islands First Female Rangers Help Save Leatherback Turtles

Solomon Islands' first female rangers help save leatherback turtles.