On World Wildlife Day (03 March 2025) twelve photographers from across Liberia came together to display their work at a photography exhibition hosted by the British Embassy in Monrovia.
These distinguished artists were the final contestants in a photography competition organised by the British Embassy to support and showcase Liberian creative talent.
Their work responded to the theme of ‘climate change’. Each of the images served as a powerful reminder of humankind’s interaction with the earth we share.
The exhibition was confronting, as well as beautiful. Each picture had its own story to tell. Together, the photographs were a powerful call to action for all of us to protect Liberia’s precious wildlife, forests, water, and air. We can only tackle climate change and preserve the environment by working together.
The judging panel for the competition included the Executive Director of Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),the Managing Director of Liberia’s Forest Development Authority (FDA), the Executive Director of the Society for Conservation of Nature of Liberia (SCNL), the Executive Director of Liberian Youth for Climate Actions (LYCA), and the British Embassy’s Chargée d’Affaires.
After careful deliberation by the judges, the first, second and third prize winners were awarded. The winners’ prizes were complementary overnight visits to ecolodges across Liberia (Nimba, Warkolor and Libassa). This will give them further opportunities to capture beautiful images of Liberian wildlife and nurture their creative talent. The remaining photographers were all awarded Highly Commended medals by the Mayor of Monrovia.
The prizewinners were:
- Jomah Barleah – First Prize.
- Aristotle Guweh Jr – Second Prize.
- Jocephus Tarley Barleh – Third Prize.
- Catherine Sompon – Highly Commended.
- Bill G Lormiah – Highly Commended.
- Wendor Jenny Korvayan – Highly Commended.
- Adrian Plas Momo – Highly Commended.
- James Benson – Highly Commended.
- Dia Wolobaly Wallace – Highly Commended.
- Augustine Gbasee Kessellie – Highly Commended.
- Shedike Varlee Kamara – Highly Commended.
- Momo Vybe – Highly Commended.
The British Embassy extends its appreciation to the judges, dignitaries and guests that made the exhibition such a special evening of art and conversation.
Art brings us together, wherever in the world we come from. It is a profoundly human experience to be moved by something beautiful. Photography speaks to us directly, challenging our perceptions, inviting us to ask questions and encouraging us to make connections.
So our biggest appreciation must go to the photographers themselves. Through their art they have powerfully reminded us about the reality of climate change in Liberia and inspired us to take further action on this together.
