We are pleased to announce that Emmanuel Fernandes Viveiros of Cape Town is the winner of The Bateleurs – Africa Geographic Climate Change Photographic Contest, and has been awarded the superb Nikon D90 camera, together with an 18-105 mm VR lens.

This is Emmanuel’s winning entry, captioned “Once I was a Tortoise”.  The background text for his photo is provided below:

“This photograph was captured in the Blaauwberg conservation area, shortly after the devastating veld fire of 2004/2005.  I walk my dog, everyday, generally along the sandy beaches of Blaauwberg to the rocky outcrops of Melkbosstrand.   On alternate days, we meander leisurely through the dense bush of the nature reserve, absorbing the sights and sounds of this diverse eco-system, always with camera in hand. This photo “Once I was a tortoise”, is a reminder to us humans that if we react to climate change at the same laborious pace as a tortoise, then we will all become carcasses on a wasted landscape.”

This photograph was taken when the Nikon camera was handed over to Emmanuel, on O1 October 2009, at the offices of Africa Geographic in Cape Town.
From the left:  Peter Borchert of Africa Geographic, Emmanuel -the prize-winner - and Sven Kreher of The Bateleurs.