Guardian of the Mangroves – Overall Winner. Tanya Houppermans, Cuba. A curious American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) swims right up to Tanya, at Gardens of the Queen (Jardines De La Reina), an archipelago off the coast of Cuba. It has been strictly protected since 1996, and is one of the most untouched marine ecosystems in the world. ‍ “The healthy population of American crocodiles is down to the pristine condition of the mangroves and I wanted to capture close ups of this gentle giant in its natural habitat. I hope this image can illustrate that protecting areas like this is so critical”. (Photo by Tanya Griffin Houppermans/Mangrove Photographer of the Year)

The sun rises this morning behind the 173ft spire of St Mary's church in the market town of Whittlesey in Cambridgeshire, UK on February 17, 2024. The church dates from the 13th century with the Ashlar faced tower added in the 15th century. (Photo by Andrew McCaren/London News Pictures)

A man is publicly flogged by a member of the Sharia police after he was found guilty of raping a child, in Idi Rayeuk, East Aceh on November 26, 2020. (Photo by Cekmad/AFP Photo)

Balinese dancers perform as they take part in a cultural parade, during a new year's eve celebration at a main road in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, 31 December 2022. (Photo by Made Nagi/EPA/EFE/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

Individuals brave the freezing temparature in Combs reservoir as they take part in a cold water therapy treatment near Chapel en le Frith, northwest England on January 1, 2021. (Photo by Oli Scarff/AFP Photo)

Artists perform during the traditional costume parade during the 190th edition of the Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich, southern Germany on September 21, 2025. The world's biggest beer festival Oktoberfest runs until October 5, 2025. (Photo by Michaela Stache/AFP Photo)

U.S. Army helicopters providing support for U.S. ground troops fly into a staging area fifty miles northeast of Saigon, Vietnam, August 28, 1966. Helicopter fuel is stored in the large rubber tanks, foreground. (Photo by Henri Huet/AP Photo)

A model prepares backstage during the bridal fashion show as a part of Yes Wedding Expo at Convention Hall Tunjungan Plaza on June 13, 2021 in Surabaya, Indonesia. (Photo by Robertus Pudyanto/Getty Images)