1 September 2009: The UNFCCC Secretariat has launched the 2009 Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) International Photo and Video Contests, which has as its theme “CDM Changing Lives.”

The purpose of the contests is to raise awareness of the CDM. Photos and videos that tell an interesting story about the CDM are invited.
The International Photo Contest is open to all photographers, both amateur and professional. Photos submitted should showcase CDM projects or their related benefits, and should contribute to knowledge about the value of the CDM. According to the Secretariat, “the Wow Factor is also very important,” so photos able to grab and hold the viewer’s attention are particularly encouraged. Individuals or groups are also invited to submit videos to participate in the International Video Contest. The videos, which can range from animated shorts to mini-documentaries, should raise awareness of how CDM projects are making a difference and inspire others to do the same, and should complete the phrase, “People should know about this CDM project because…”
The contests are open from 1 September to 31 October 2009 and all entries must be associated with registered CDM projects. Photos must be submitted through an upload facility accessed from the CDM website, and videos must be submitted by uploading to one of the specified video sharing sites. The winning works will be displayed at UNFCCC COP 15 in Copenhagen in December 2009, and will also feature prominently on the UNFCCC/CDM website. In addition, submitted photos could feature in important print and promotional material. [Contest Announcement]