Cities and nature from orbit: the 6th international “Seize the beauty of our Planet” contest

We invite you to join the 6th edition of the international “Seize the beauty of our Planet” contest, organized by CloudFerro, aimed at scientists, ecologists, satellite data enthusiasts, and everyone passionate about protecting the environment. The contest task is to capture the unique relationship between cities and nature through satellite imagery.

Climate change and rapid urbanization are shaping our planet, bringing both challenges and opportunities. By 2050, nearly 70% of the global population will live in cities, and in Europe alone, this number will exceed 83%. Cities generate about 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet they remain vital to economic growth. Their continued expansion, however, must take into account environmental, social, and climate needs. Promoting sustainable urban planning, protecting green spaces, and preserving biodiversity within urban areas are essential to building healthier and more resilient cities.
The “Seize the beauty of our Planet” contest shows that satellite images can not only inspire awe but also help identify areas in need of attention and action.

From data to action

The contest aims to draw public and policymaker attention to places affected by climate change and urbanization, motivating efforts to protect and preserve them. It also promotes the use of freely available Earth observation data from the European Copernicus programme.

As a Copernicus Ambassador and the provider and operator of several European Earth observation platforms — including CREODIAS, Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem, WEkEO, and Germany’s CODE-DE and EO-Lab — CloudFerro supports the use of satellite data across diverse fields such as climate research, spatial planning, and crisis management. Data from the Copernicus programme are invaluable resources for scientists and researchers, enabling detailed monitoring and analysis of specific areas through both optical and radar techniques.

How cities coexist with nature

To take part in the contest, participants are invited to submit a satellite image of a chosen urban area, created using one of the European EO data platforms (e.g., CREODIAS, CDSE, WEkEO, CODE-DE, or EO-Lab).
The image should reflect the theme “Cities and Nature” showcasing either harmonious coexistence between urban development and natural landscapes, or the challenges such as over-urbanization, loss of green areas, or disturbed ecosystems.

The deadline for submissions is October 26, 2025

The 12 images with the highest number of public votes will be featured in the CloudFerro 2026 calendar, distributed among leading institutions, companies, and organizations in the European Earth observation sector.
 Additionally, the authors of the three best works, selected by a jury of satellite data experts, will receive attractive prizes.

Learn more about the contest rules and prizes: https://cloudferro.com/contest2025/.