Researchers from the Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Science Center, catch bats as they stream out of Khao Chong Pran Cave to feed, during a catch and release program in Photharam, Ratchaburi Province, Thailand, on Friday, December 11, 2020. The team, led by Doctor Supaporn Wacharapluesadee of Chulalongkorn University, consisting of scientists, ecologists, and officers from Thailand’s National Park Department, have been collecting blood, tissue, saliva and fecal samples from bats in an effort to understand the origins of the Covid-19 virus. Dr. Supaporn and her team have been studying coronaviruses for over a decade, and researchers at Chulalongkorn University were the first in the world to detect a COVID-19 case outside of China, by modifying tests for coronaviruses they had developed over the years.
Andre Malerba is a photojournalist based out of Bangkok, Thailand. He has worked throughout Southeast Asia and further afield, from Sri Lanka to Mongolia. From 2013-2016 he covered Myanmar exclusively, as the country struggled through the early days of democracy. He was awarded Magnum Photos 30 Under 30 for his work there. Andre has participated in multiple international photography exhibitions and received nominations and awards from Days Japan, Joop Swart Masterclass, The Documentary Project Fund, Atkins CIWEM Environmental Photographer of the Year and UNICEF among others.
[ NATURE & ENVIRONMENT ] A single photograph that increases the understanding and appreciation of nature and our environment. Photographers are encouraged to explore the relationship between human and nature/environment. Studio scenes that are arranged by the photographer are not eligible. Each participant is allowed to enter up to 10 images. The images must be taken in 2019 or 2020.
Judges for Nature & Environment
