Photojournalism 1st place winner

Mongolia, a land of vast steppes and rugged beauty, is home to a unique way of life centered around the winter migration of nomadic herders. As temperatures plummet, these resilient people lead their livestock across the frozen landscape in search of fresh grazing grounds.

Battling fierce snowstorms and bitter cold, the herders demonstrate remarkable skill and endurance, upholding ancient traditions passed down through generations. The winter migration is a time of hardship and harmony, forging strong bonds within the nomadic community. It is a timeless spectacle that embodies the indomitable spirit of Mongolia’s nomads and their profound connection to the land.

Josef Buergi is a Swiss traveler and photographer who discovered his passion for photography in the 1990s. Having graduated from the Bale Institute of Technology with an engineering degree, he has nonetheless cultivated a successful career as a photographer, achieving skill and accomplishment through numerous workshops, travelling, self-instruction and the study of master photographers.

His photos appeared in Terra Mater, National Geographic, VIEW, Lens Magazine, Mensch Magazine, AAP Magazine, and many more offline and online magazines worldwide. He is also an award-winning photographer and has won a few competitions and awards.