The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the Global Water Partnership (GWP), in collaboration with the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA), are proud to announce the winners of the photo competition Solutions that Inspire Change.
Attracting 135 submissions from 59 countries, the competition highlights diverse approaches to tackling water scarcity, drought, and land degradation. Through powerful visual storytelling, participants brought to life innovative solutions making a difference on the ground.
The winners in the four categories are:
1. Technological Solutions
Highlighting innovations in water management, drought monitoring, and smart irrigation.
Winner: Smart Irrigation for a Thirsty Land
by Christos Zoumides, Cyprus
Visual story:In an organic olive orchard in Cyprus, sensors at multiple depths record root-zone water status while a solar-powered weather station streams real-time data. This sensor-guided approach cut irrigation water by 32% while yields held steady, showing how smart technology can turn traditional orchards into living laboratories for adaptation.
2. Governance Solutions
Focusing on policies, community-led initiatives, and institutional strategies.
Winner: Community Resilience – Water Access Solutions in Times of Drought
by Dishon Amanya, Kenya
Visual story:This image captures a vital moment in water resource management, depicting a community accessing clean water from a shared tap. It underscores the impact of policies like subsidized boreholes and rural water supply projects that mitigate the effects of drought through inclusive governance.
3. Gender-responsive Solutions
Showcase of women’s leadership in drought and land degradation responses.
Winner: Dream for a Sustainable Future
by Arpan Basu Chowdhury, India
Visual story:Agricultural drones are being used across India to map soil moisture and deliver precise irrigation. The presence of a woman as the drone pilot highlights the “Namo Drone Didi” scheme, an initiative to empower rural women with tech skills, challenging gender norms and creating new livelihoods.
4. Nature-based Solutions
Capturing efforts in ecosystem restoration and natural infrastructure.
Winner: Growing the Future
by Mohammed Alamin, Nigeria
Visual story:In Jigawa State, Northern Nigeria, a community is fighting desertification by planting 3 million indigenous trees. This image shows the nursery where over 24,000 trees have been raised so far, involving everyone from children to adults in restoring fertile land.
The winning entries are now showcased at UNCCD headquarters in Bonn, Germany. You can also view the full collection of semi-finalists via the 🔗 online photo exhibition.
Congratulations to the winners, finalists, and all contributors!
Page last edited: 6/17/2025