Photography Exhibition 2026 : Call for Contributions on the Theme “Forest Biodiversity : What Functions, What Services, What Unknowns?”

A forest is, first and foremost, a collection of trees. But it is also, and above all, an ecosystem teeming with life forms, both visible and discreet, that play an essential role in its functioning. Fungi, insects, birds, mammals, trees, mosses, soil microorganisms… each contributes, in its own way, to the vitality and resilience of forests.

But what roles do they play in nature, and what services do they provide to human societies ?

• How do fungi contribute to the carbon cycle ?
• What role do insects play in the regeneration of forest stands ?
• How does tree species diversity influence forest resistance to climate change ?
• What is the role of the genetic diversity observed within each species ?
• Why do walkers prefer to stroll through diverse forest plots ?
• ...

Why is this diversity essential to the proper functioning of forests ? And what scientific challenges does it raise today in the context of global change ?

We are launching a call for photographic contributions to create a photography exhibition aimed at the general public. We are looking for photographs illustrating the ecological roles of forest biodiversity and the services it provides to forest users, along with the scientific questions associated with these roles.

Each photograph must be accompanied by a short text (1,000 to 1,500 characters) specifying :

• The function(s) or role(s) of the photographed element (e.g. decomposition, nutrient cycling, carbon storage, pollination, dispersal, species interactions, genetic diversity, regeneration, landscape “beauty”, etc.),
• The current state of scientific knowledge on the topic (presented in an accessible way),
• Current research challenges or questions (e.g. impacts of climate change, effects of management practices, uncertainties regarding the maintenance of certain functions, etc.).

The aim is to show, through images, why and how forest functioning, and the ways in which human societies use forests, depend on the biodiversity they host, and to highlight the questions that currently mobilize the scientific community.

Participation guidelines

Contributions must be sent to communication@pepr-forestt.fr by 15 May 2026. Each contribution must include three documents :

• The photograph : JPG or PNG format, minimum resolution 120 cm / 4,500 pixels AND 300 dpi,
• The submission form : including metadata associated with the photograph, in particular its explanatory text,
• The completed and signed rights transfer form.

The selected photographs and texts will be included in an exhibition and showcased to the general public.