Covering around 220km2, the Vale Natural Reserve, in Linhares, Espírito Santo state, protects 2,389 species of wildlife and 2,625 species of plant life.
ASPEN, Colo. (June 2, 2011)—A global photography contest focusing on sustainability will be held by Vale, one of the world’s leading mining companies, from June 5 to Aug. 31. The announcement was made from the Aspen Environment Forum, a three-day event with leading environmental thinkers that Vale co-sponsored. Vale’s “Eye on Sustainability” Global Photography Contest asks participants to document sustainability and environmental issues — from images illustrating what’s at risk to those that shine a spotlight on what is being done to preserve the planet. The goal is to document and explore the existing wonders of the planet as well as the challenges and solutions we face.
June 5, the date the contest launches, is World Environment Day. This year’s theme, “Forests: Nature at Your Service,” underscores the intrinsic link between quality of life on our planet and the health of forests and forest ecosystems. Photographers may take their inspiration from this theme, although any area relating to sustainability may be covered.
The photo contest is designed to spark dialogue around issues of sustainability, and Vale plans to use contest entries to help frame a round-table sustainability discussion with experts in Rio de Janeiro later this year, designed to spotlight issues that will be addressed at Rio+20 in 2012. “Vale believes the health of the planet and the long-term viability of our businesses are intertwined, and we as a company are committed to implementing effective practices to conserve ecosystems and biodiversity,” said Vania Somavilla, executive director for Vale. “This photo contest is part of a larger dialogue we want to have about sustainability, one where many perspectives help to define the issues and clarify the challenges facing us.”
