This web site stems from a photography contest, organized within the framework of the international congress Quebec 2000 - Millennium Wetland Event , held in Quebec City, Canada from August 6 to 12 2000. The congress participants, scientists coming from the four corners of the world, sent more than 650 photographs revealing the flora, fauna, the landscapes and the human use of wetlands. The photographs presented here are also displayed as part of an exhibition at the Mus e de la civilisation in Quebec City from June to September 2000. We present to you the twenty-five most beautiful images, including the grand prize all categories and first prize of each theme.
Wetlands are ecosystems dominated by water, either periodically, or all year round.
Water lilies, reeds, rushes and mosses characterize the landscape of these particular habitats. Their ecological and economic role is increasingly appreciated. For a long time perceived as useless and worthless, wetlands were victims of man's moods. Motorways and the hydroelectric pylons took these fragile places by storm. Some were altered in order to answer the needs of urban development and the pressures of agriculture and forestry.