Launch of photo competition: Building drought resilience together

In recognition of Resilience Day at UNCCD COP 16 in Riyadh, UNCCD, GWP and International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA) are launching a global photo competition to highlight the critical issue of drought resilience and its connection to water scarcity and land degradation.

This competition - Solutions that Inspire Change: Building Drought Resilience Together - invites participants to capture and showcase innovative solutions and real-world examples addressing these pressing challenges, inspiring hope and action toward a more resilient future. 

 

Why participate? 

This is your chance to bring visibility to solutions that make a difference in the fight against drought, showcase innovative practices that improve water management, and inspire global action on water and land resilience. 

  • Launch date: December 10, 2024 – Resilience Day at UNCCD COP 16 in Riyadh. 

  • Submission deadline: March 31, 2025. 

  • Winners announced: May 2025. 

Categories 

Submit your photos under one of these categories: 

  • Technological and AI solutions: Innovations in water management, drought monitoring tools, and smart irrigation systems that reduce water scarcity and protect land.

  • Governance solutions: Policies, community-led initiatives, and institutional strategies supporting water and land management during droughts.

  • Gender-responsive solutions: Showcasing the role of women and gender-sensitive approaches in creating sustainable responses to drought and land degradation.

  • Nature-based solutions: Ecosystem restoration, agroforestry, and natural infrastructure approaches utilizing nature to mitigate drought impacts. 

What's at stake 

  • Semi-finalists: Photos will be featured in an online exhibition. 

  • Finalists: Works will be exhibited at UNCCD Headquarters in Bonn, Germany, during World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (WDD) on June 17, 2025. 

  • Winners: Each category winner will receive a $500 gift card from either the International Center of Photography or Fotografiska Museum. 

Why it matters 

Your submissions will be hosted and showcased in the UNCCD Communities of Learning and Practice (CLPs) on drought management, helping to foster peer-to-peer learning and sharing of drought resilience practices worldwide. Join the global conversation on solutions for drought management, climate resilience, and sustainable water management! 

 

How to participate 

📸 Submit your photo (maximum one per participant) along with a brief description about the location, context, and solution shown in the image. 

🔗 Full submission details and guidelines can be found here. 

This competition is an opportunity to showcase your work and contribute to a global dialogue on effective, sustainable solutions for managing drought and water scarcity. 

 

Let your photos tell the story of drought resilience in action!