IGUAZÚ FALLS, Misiones, Argentina — In a region defined by the sheer, hydraulic power of one of the world's most expansive waterfall systems, it is often the mist that receives the least attention, yet it is this fine spray that sculpts the surrounding ecosystem. A photograph titled "Spirits of the Falls," captured by Arnaud Farré, has been awarded first prize in the "Forests" category of the 2026 Environmental Photography Award, an initiative of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
The image shifts the traditional focus from the cascading water to the subtropical forest canopy that thrives in the humid microclimate. By drawing the viewer's eye upward into the treetops, Farré presents the jungle not merely as a backdrop, but as a complex, living system entirely dependent on the perpetual interaction between forest and water.
The central subject of the photograph is a toco toucan (Ramphastos toco), perched within the canopy. This iconic species, with its oversized, vibrant orange beak, serves as a key visual ambassador for the rich biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest. Its presence highlights the intricate web of life sustained by the constant moisture, where the forest floor and the upper layers of the jungle are bound in a symbiotic relationship.
The annual Environmental Photography Award, established by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, seeks to promote work that underscores the beauty of the natural world while emphasizing the urgency of its preservation. By recognizing "Spirits of the Falls," the jury has selected an image that encapsulates the delicate balance of a unique environment, reminding conservationists and the public alike of the interconnectedness of species and their habitats.
Submissions for the next edition of the Environmental Photography Award are currently open, with a deadline of November 1st.
Photo Credits: "Spirits of the Falls" by Arnaud Farré. Winner of the Forests category, 2026 Environmental Photography Award