lt is usual for a Black and White Biennial to be organized by the country that also organizes the FIAP Congress. Similarly, the opening of the exhibition following this biennial takes place during the Congress, so that the delegates can benefit during their stay in the host country.

This time, economic reasons have not allowed Spain to organize the Congress of the year 2012. However, the Spanish Confederation of Photography wanted to maintain it's commitments and was able to organize with success the 31st Biennial Black and White, despite the aroused financial and technical difficulties

In a digital environment, the black and white photo still maintains its artistic aspect among photographers. The evidence is the large number of countries that normally participate. We congratulate the organizers for their commitment, the countries' officials for their interest and the participating photographers for their artistic level.

Ireland with the excellent level of its collection won the World Cup, followed by England and Spain. Once again, a biennial has proved the high level and the great interest of the members of the FIAP family.