A gyepek titkai

An outstanding photograph is conceived in the mind long before it is captured in the field. This philosophy is closely associated with Dr Zsolt Kalotás, wildlife photographer, founding member and first president of the Hungarian Nature Photographers’ Association (naturArt). In addition to serving as a juror for the Secrets of Grasslands photography competition, he is the recipient of numerous awards and honours. More than 8,500 of his nature photographs have been published in books, conservation magazines, specialist journals and environmental publications. We asked him about the competition, in which the fifth round challenges entrants to present the beauty and diversity of grasslands from a broader perspective.

The fifth round of Secrets of the Grasslands, a nature photography competition, aims to draw attention to the beauty and diversity of grassland ecosystems. In this year’s edition, one of the challenges set for entrants is landscape photography.

The outstanding importance of Hungary’s grasslands – as highlighted by Bertalan Balczó, Deputy State Secretary responsible for nature conservation - is demonstrated by the fact that two thirds of the country’s protected plant species and around half of its animal species are associated with these habitats. “The Secrets of Grasslands” Photography Competition was organised for the 5th time with the aim of raising public awareness to ecological importance of grassland habitats.

The fifth round of “The Secrets of Grasslands” photo contest draws attention to the beauty and diversity of grasslands. In the landscape category, participants are invited to present the charm and rich variety of grasslands from a broader perspective. A separate category was announced for showcasing the seasonal transformations of grassland habitats. We spoke with Bertalan Balczó, Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, agricultural engineer, and chair of the jury, about the themes of the contest and the role of grassland protection, which lies at its core.

On 28 November 2023, the fourth installment of The Secrets of Grasslands photo competition was awarded.Exhibition of the 30 best photos was opened at the Herman Ottó Conference Centre.

A travelling exhibition of the photo competition A gyepek titkai III. can be seen in the Lászlómajor Visitor Centre and Demonstration Garden of the Fertő-Hanság National Park Directorate until 28 August 2023.

The best 30 images of “The Secrets of Grasslands” photo contest are on display from 31 March, 2022. The aim of the exhibition is to bring people closer to the unique animals that live in grasslands. After showcasing the photos in Budapest, from April, the exhibition will tour around the country.

Under Grassland-HU LIFE Integrated Project, Herman Ottó Institute Nonprofit Ltd., with its project partners, has decided to hold a second photo contest again this year. The aim of this year contest is to draw attention to the importance of conservation of grasslands through the presentation and promotion of grasslands habitats and species, and their high biodiversity values.

The aim of this year contest was to showcase the importance of conservation of grasslands through the presentation and promotion of grasslands habitats and species, and their high biodiversity values. It was the first photo contest focusing on grasslands, and the theme of this year’s contest was plant species in their grassland habitats.