16 November,2013 04:00 AM IST | | Dhara Vora
Fotothon, the 24-hour photography contest is back this year to spread its message about using the camera for a change. The contest has been using photography as a medium to spread ecological awareness.
Migrating flamingos dot the Airoli creek. pic/sameer markande
As its previous editions, this year too will see three contests - the Foto Story contest, which will test one's photography and creativity based on your photos taken under a given theme, Fab Foto, and Going Macro. Fotothon is also supported by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, Maharashtra Nature Park Society, Royal Photographic Society UK and Photographic Society of India.
Every year, along with the contest, the organisers also start a campaign which sees events such as talks and photo exhibitions held throughout the year based on one ecological issue plaguing the city. Last year, it was Man and Leopard Conflict and this year, they aim to generate interest about flamingos that fly into the city every year in the winter months. "The tiger is said to be at the top of the food chain, and saving the tiger would save the whole forest. Similarly, flamingos play a big role in the food chain of wetlands. Flamingos have been visiting the city since 1994, as Mumbai is a stopover place in their migration process. We need to save our wetlands because they depend on them for food," says Paresh Pimpale, from Ecofolks, the organisation behind Fotothon.
The contest is open for on-the-spot registrations.
