The Nature Conservancy is an organization which was established in 1951 to to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

The organisation also runs the Global Photo Contest which features the powerful artistry of nature photography. For this year’s contest, a record-breaking 57,489 entries were received from 135 countries. Photographers were asked to submit their best work to five different categories—Landscape, Water, People & Nature, Wildlife, and Cities & Nature.

The overall prize was awarded to French photographer Camille Briottet for her stunning image of two stallions frolicking in the marshlands of Camargue. The incredible action shot highlights the joy and beauty of these animals left to roam free. In contrast, American photographer Andre Mercier took home second prize for an ominous image that is a startling reminder of what we’re losing. Taken in Iceland, The End is Near shows a piece of ice floating in the mist. Soon to melt away, it was once part of a larger glacier.

“The quality of entries this year is stunning. It was very difficult to select the winner,” said Bill Marr, director of photography for The Nature Conservancy and one of the contest’s judges. “TNC’s Photo Contest is a wonderful intersection for those who love nature and those who love photography. We have wonderful entries from all over the world, from beautiful Western landscapes to squirrels in a backyard in Austria. Photography is a common language for all.”

Here are all the winners and some of our favorites. What did you think was the best image?

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