Young Samoans Capture “Our Climate, Our Future” in Photography Competition

Apia, Samoa – 23 October 2024 – Four young Samoan photographers have won a landmark climate photography prize.

The competition winners were announced yesterday and their images showcased climate action and resilience ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Apia.

Sponsored by the Commonwealth Foundation, the Samoan Government and the Samoa Umbrella of Non Governmental Organisations (SUNGO), the competition was opened to 15 to 18 year olds.

The winner are:

15-16 Year Old Category: Loman Poe, with a poignant image of a girl collecting plastic waste at Mulinu’u Ocean.

“I took this to show that there is a right way of reducing littering. In the photo is also an ad that says “oute le fia ai uga” which means our littering has affected our seafood. It’s important to me to show that we should stop littering and affecting our oceans and marine ecosystem,” Lomam Poe said

Winning entry in the 17-18 year old category of the Our Climate, Our Future photography prize. Teenagers look out towards Matautu blended with faded image of a nature walk. Samoa 2024 Photo: Epifania Ada Te Nahera Ulberg/Commonwealth Foundation

17-18 Year Old Category: Epifania Ada Te Anahera Ulberg who captured a group of teenagers gazing out towards the shipping area at Matautu.

“This image of Samoan teenagers on a nature walk looking at industry represents hope and dreams for the future alongside our fears towards the impact of climate change in our communities,” Epifania Ada Te Anahera Ulberg said.

“With trees being cut and replaced with buildings, we’re worried our cry for help won’t be heard. It’s important to protect and preserve the beauty of our environment for future generations.”

Pacific Way winner in the Our Climate, Our Future photography competition. Boy cutting and grating a coconut or “sali le popo”. Samoa 2024 Photo: Uale Omar Tofilau/Commonwealth Foundation

Pacific Way Category: Uale Omar Tofilau, whose photograph of a boy “Sali le popo” encapsulated the cultural values of respect and inclusion.

“The process of “sali le popo” or grating the coconut is a significant part of Samoan life. It requires effort and persistence, much like young Samoans’ achieving goals and aspirations,” Uale Tofilau said.

“As coconut products are shared with whole communities, “Sali le popo” represents the hope that future success will uplift entire families and whole communities,’ Uale Tofilau said.

People’s choice winner at the Our Climate, Our Future photography competition. Samoa 2024 Photo: Onosaiimeatiga Angie Numia

People’s Choice Award: Onosaiimeatiga Angie Numia, whose emotional photograph of a crying child during a cleanup campaign resonated deeply with forum participants.

“This photo captures the reality that young generations face – the loss of nature, of their identity. What we do today will shape the world for those who come after us,” Onosaiimeatiga Angie Numia said.

The competition attracted over 20 entries that demonstrated color, creativity, and originality while addressing themes such as pollution, resilience, and the vital connection between Samoan cultural heritage and environmental stewardship.

A diverse panel of judges included acclaimed poet Judith Nangala Grisbin and environmental specialist James Atherton, who praised the participants for their thoughtful interpretations of climate issues affecting their communities.