Wild Wonders of Europe Newsletter
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| Missions completed so far: | 120 | Pictures online: | Over 2,000 | |
| Photographers in the field: | 0 | Posts to the Wild Blog: | 567 | |
| Missions remaining: | 0 | Images in our archives: | Over 150,000 |
A World First - the Crown Jewels of Nature in Europe now covered in 150 000 top image database
The last of the 68 top nature photographers in the “Wild Wonders of Europe” initiative, returned on Friday, completing the 14 months of intensive field work, including 118 photo assignments to all 48 European countries.
We now hold a world first. The most comprehensive, up-to-date picture collection ever gathered of Europe’s natural jewels, containing an astounding 150,000 images. The very essence of the Wild Wonders of Europe and the foundation for the whole project.
“Braving soaring heat, deep seas and extreme cold, our Dream Team of photographers have created a breathtaking document of our shared natural heritage. Physical proof of an amazing comeback story and showing a side of Europe previously not well known - with really wild landscapes and charismatic species. It is truly a unique achievement“.
Florian Moellers, Wild Wonders of Europe Communications Director.
The very last photographer to return from the field had travelled more than 8000km by car and ferry, finally arriving back home in Northern Germany last week with thousands of images to process. Solvin Zankl’s mission to Turkey to photograph endangered Loggerhead turtles had also uncovered a Nile Softshell Turtle with a 1m long shell, on the Dalyan floodplains. A fitting finale.
The project’s first mission in May 2008 had been with Finnish bird action photography specialist Markus Varesvuo documenting the Birdlife of the Hungarian Puszta - the spectacular rollers, bee-eaters and hoopoes.
The story that will be revealed is a positive one. Till now, unknown. Focusing on the comeback species, the re-wilding of landscapes and the conservation successes out there in Europe’s wilderness over the past three decades. Whilst at the same time highlighting the landscapes and species that are in need of protection.
Next year, The International Year of Biodiversity is a milestone for conservation and the Wild Wonders of Europe series of Great Wild Show Outdoor Exhibitions have specifically been timed to coincide, launching in April, 2010.
We would like to thank you for supporting us over the past 14 months and very much look forward to sharing the rest of our journey with you. Please follow us on the web site. The blogs will still continue being posted for a long time yet, new galleries are being put up one by one and the photo competition continues! We will also add a number of other cool features during the fall. Stay tuned!
The Wild Wonders of Europe Team
Wild Wonders of Europe is about the joy of wildness. About what is still out there and what we are risking to lose. Why it matters to us. And why we need to protect it. Read more»
Wild Wonders of Europe wish to thank our great partners:
Main Partners:
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…and our many other very important partners for their generous contributions and support! All without which this epic conservation photography project would never have been possible.
Nature Picture Library - Conservation International - Eazyfone - Sandisk - Gitzo
Polar Quest - Aunan Lodge - Norway Nature - Artic Media - Wild Taiga - Finnature
Noble Caledonia - Flatanger Kommune - Innovation Norway - Kuusamo Lapland
Forollhogna - Äventyrsresor - IUCN - EEA - ILCP - Countdown 2010 - WILD Foundation
Euronatur - Aefona - Fotonatura.org - Vision Salvaje - Image & Nature - Grasduinen - IFWP
UNEP - Naturapics - Visit Finland - Visit Sweden - Co+Life - NVN - Naturfokus
Reisen in die Natur - Destinasjon Saltstraumen - BirdingInSpain.com - Photo Travel
Hide Photography - Mediwiss Analytic - Objectif Nature - Lanzarote - Madeira Tourism
Patronado de Turismo de Lanzarote - Andorra Turisme - King of the Forest - Ulvsbomuren
Parque Natural da Madeira - Nordic Discovery