The nature of destruction

Daniel Beltrá's Image

These trees will become piles of logs as vast tracts of rainforest are cleared to make way for one of the Xingu River dams.

Controversial plans have gone ahead in spite of bitter opposition and trenchant criticism from national and international experts, including human rights groups, lawyers, environmentalists, politicians and economists. Too much has been invested for the project to be halted.


Behind the lens

Daniel Beltrá

Daniel Beltrá

Spain / USA

Over the past two decades, Daniel’s work has taken him to all seven continents. Spill, his exhibit of images documenting the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, premiered in August 2010 and has toured the globe. He is a fellow and board member of the International League of Conservation Photographers.

Image details

  • Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • 70-200mm f4 lens at 70mm
  • 1/1000 sec at f4
Copyright in WPY competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.

More images from Daniel Beltrá

View all
Discarded
The last tree
Clearing the way

Support our important work


Help us harness the power of photography to advance scientific knowledge, spread awareness of important issues and nurture a global love for nature.

Donate now

Discover more

Sign up to our newsletter

Receive email updates about Wildlife Photographer of the Year news, events, science, products, services and fundraising activities. We may occasionally include third-party content from our corporate partners and other museums. We will not share your personal details with these third parties. You must be over the age of 13. Privacy notice.