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IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC)

Advancing knowledge and cooperation for a healthy ocean and prosperous society

Winners Announced for the 2026 WESTPAC Photo Competition: “Guardians of the Coral Reef”

The competition celebrates diverse efforts to protect and restore coral reefs through community action, science, innovation and nature-based solutions.

The winners of the 2026 WESTPAC Photo Competition: “Guardians of the Coral Reef”, were announced on 8 June 2026 during the opening ceremony of the World Oceans Day celebrations in Thailand.
This year’s Photo Competition celebrates the many ways in which communities, scientists, young people, innovative technologies, and nature-based efforts come together to protect and restore coral reefs for future generations.
With the support of Valeura Energy and the Coral and Coastal Conservation Foundation of Thailand, the 2026 Photo Competition was jointly organized by the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC), Chulalongkorn University, and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR).
The Western Pacific, widely recognized as a global hotspot for marine biodiversity, is home to more than 75 percent of all known coral species and around half of the world’s coral reefs. These vital ocean ecosystems support livelihoods, food security, economies, and cultural connections across the region. However, they are facing ever-mounting pressures from climate change, pollution, coastal development, and other human activities.
Through compelling images, the competition aims to enhance ocean literacy, inspire ocean stewardship, and support actions towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It also contributes to the mission of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030): to catalyse transformative ocean science solutions for sustainable development, connecting people and our ocean.
The 2026 Photo Competition further demonstrated the Sub-Commission’s continued commitment to coral reef conservation and restoration through science, innovation, international cooperation, and public engagement.
The competition featured three categories: Community Guardians, Science & Innovation Guardians, and Nature’s Guardians. A Youth Photographer Special Award was also established to encourage younger generations to showcase their perspectives on coral reef conservation. More details are available here.
The first WESTPAC Photo Competition was launched in 2024, with the winners announced during the 2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference & 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference (22–25 April 2024, Bangkok). More information is available here.
We extend our warm congratulations to all winners and our sincere appreciation to all participants for sharing their creativity, perspectives and commitment to coral reef conservation.
Congratulations to all winners of the 2026 Photo Competition!
Category 1: Community Guardians

First Prize:

    • Tan Chun Hong (Malaysia)

Second Prize:

    • Sue Yee Chen (Malaysia)
Category 2: Science & Innovation Guardians

First Prize:

    • Théo Guillaume (France)

Second Prize:

    • Watchara Samsuvan (Thailand)

Third Prize:

    • Kirsty Magson (United Kingdom)
Category 3: Nature’s Guardians

First Prize:

    • Mahadi Mohammad (Malaysia)

Second Prize:

    • Juliette Villechanoux (France)
Youth Photographer Special Award

First Prize:

    • Kan Sukarakan (Thailand)

Second Prize:

    • Isla Steel (Australia)
    • Natthayada Thuasawat (Thailand)
    • Erica Sarters (United States)