apture the Future: A Global Youth Storytelling Initiative for People and Nature
If you are a young photographer or visual storyteller aged between 18 and 35, and if you find inspiration in the connection between people and nature — a connection woven into harmonious unity within the boundaries of biosphere parks — you could take part in this year’s UNESCO and Vivo initiative Capture the Future, which encourages young people to document local activities, traditions, and innovations that contribute to a more sustainable future.
Interested participants are invited to submit original mobile‑phone photographs or short videos documenting the coexistence of communities and ecosystems in any of the 784 biosphere reserves worldwide — from biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation to cultural traditions and sustainable innovations.
Applications are open until 31 May 2026 and must be submitted through an online form.
Information about the initiative, the application form, and the participation criteria is available at: https: //www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-and-vivo-launch-global-youth-visual-storytelling-initiative-capture-future?hub=66369
For questions: mab@unesco.org, with the email subject line “Youth Visual Storytelling Initiative”.
In short, a biosphere park is a UNESCO designation awarded to regions that preserve both cultural and natural heritage. This designation does not introduce additional legal restrictions, prohibitions, or changes in land ownership. Its main purpose is to promote sustainable development through the implementation of good practices, partnership initiatives, education, pilot projects supporting local producers, adding value to local services, and more — while all stakeholders work together to preserve the cultural and natural character of the region.
There are four biosphere parks in Bulgaria: Central Balkan, Srebarna, Red Wall, and Uzunbudzhak.
Learn more about the Central Balkan Biosphere Park HERE.