Information Technology specialist Debbie-Ann Powell, medical doctor Sherard Little and corporate planner Damion Cameron took the top prizes in the World Wetlands Day photo competition sponsored by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA).

The awards, presented last Thursday, March 3 at the Institute of Jamaica in Kingston, culminated a month-long submission period — January 18 to February 21. The competition was open to members of the general public.

It was guided by the theme ‘Wetlands For Our Future: Sustainable Livelihoods’ and promoted the importance of wetlands to Jamaica.

Title: Fisherfolk tours

Submitted by: Debbie-Ann Powell

Docked in a row, these boats in Negril, Westmoreland, accommodate tours through the wetlands for locals and tourists to enjoy a taste of Jamaica’s natural environment. This provides a means of income for the tour guide, some of who also fish.

Title: Shared resources

Submitted by: Sherard Little

Two young fishermen turn to see a safari boat as it passes through a narrow section of the Black River in St Elizabeth. The Black River and the surrounding wetlands serve as sources of income in the forms of fishing and wildlife tours.

Title: You’ve got my back I’ve got yours

Submitted by: David Cameron

A pair of egrets nesting in the mangroves in Black River, St Elizabeth, appear to be watching out for each other.