The Global Landscapes Forum challenged photographers around the world to submit their best images relating to sustainability. The top 24 Jury shortlisted photos were on display during the COP20 in one of the prime locations in Lima, Kennedy Park, where thousands of passersby had a chance to look at them while the Peruvian capital was hosting the UN climate negotiations.
Photographer’s comment: “After decades of wanton exploitation and rapacious activities taking place in the coal belts of Meghalaya, India, the order issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to stop rat-hole coal mining across Meghalaya has lighted a ray
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “Other than illegal coal mining, Jhum cultivation, also known as shifting cultivation – a farming technique involving clearing large tracts of hilly forest land to cultivate until the soil is infertile – is still being practiced
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “Some forms of mining in the Jaintia Hills, Shillong, Meghalaya, were banned by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on complaints by some organisations that the water of nearby rivulets and streams was turning acidic.“
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “Water flows from a small dam, rotating the wheel, activating the rice pounder. Farmers are using waterwheels to put an added value on the rice. People are managing water catchments through traditional forest management called parak
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “A seaweed farmer on Nusa Lembonga, Indonesia, tends to his crop at low tide, while his young child splashes in the background. These smallholder seaweed farmers often tend their crops as well as holding down additional employment
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “This picture was taken in the Barotse floodplain, Zambia in July 2014. During the dry season the cattle is taken to the lowlands (which is flooded the rest of the year) for grazing. The topography, combined with
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “This picture was taken at the seaside (Mexico, February 2010) during a moment where tides were changing. The image represents the fact that the current natural resource management is affecting the environment faster than we could evolve
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “These are members of three communities from the western province of Zambia. They were recognizing local features from their environment in the map in order to explain where their daily activities occur and how these activities change
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “Frogs eat untold billions of insects each year, making them economically valuable to agriculture. They also provide a critical food source for birds, fish, snakes, and other wildlife. But the most important contribution frogs make may be
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “Spectacled caiman- Rainforest water is modulated by vegetation. The majority of the rainforest species depend on its waterflow to live. Vegetation increases the ability of soils to retain water, preventing floods and erosion. Moisture generated by rainforests
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “Intense air, soil, water, noise, pollution from our industries is ubiquitous. There should be a balance between development and environmental conservation.”
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “Landscape degradation to earn revenue from tourism in hilly areas is common. Environment degradation should only be allowed only to the extent where the environment can sustainably restore itself.“
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “Coal mining leads to water, soil and ecosystem degradation. To satisfy our enormous energy needs, renewable sources needs to be increasingly relied upon.“
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “The photo shows land-use change and the problems related to water scarcity and food security. There is a stark contrast between the green of the agricultural production in the foreground and the barren desert in the background.
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “Open range grazing systems used by migratory pastoral communities are known to be more sustainable than the highly commercialized ranching which feeds most of our milk and meat demands. In the Banni grasslands of Gujarat, India, pastoralists
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “Pandi Kaka from the village of Erandavali in the Banni grasslands of Gujarat, India stands with his prize winning buffalo bull. Known for their high milk yields and sturdiness, the Banni buffalo is now a registered
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “A lush Amazonian landscape, full of energy and life, but threatened by human activity and climate change.”
Votes
Comentario del fotógrafo: “Esa foto fue tomada en una parcela de ensayo en el Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza (CATIE), Costa Rica. En estas parcelas se evaluaba el efecto del biochar (biocarbón) para mejorar la fertilidad
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “In the community of Pacchanta, farmers are dedicated to potatoes and alpacas. The beauty of the landscape, at 13,800 feet above sea level, cannot hide that poverty and scarcity are its main characteristics.”
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “Maharlika means majestic. Indeed the river’s name rings true to its beauty and grandeur. Majestic, pristine waters and rocks, all covered with different species of mosses. The shady habitat in this montane forest enables different species of
Votes
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “Neurobasis anumirae is a rare damselfly whose habitat is pristine rivers with thick and forested vegetation. It is a symbol of sustainability because this species has a low tolerance to anthropogenic disturbances. Clearing the forest and contaminating
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “This photo is about the livelihood of the indigenous people in Comval Province: planting and selling abaca hemp. The area where this shot was taken is now dominated by migratory miners that displace the indigenous people, robbing
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “I took this photo close to Salvador, Bahia (Brazil) in a sea turtle refuge – “Projeto TAMAR”. It shows that Nature is literally in the human hands and it is thus our responsibility to maintain, develop and
Votes
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “The national park is one of the core areas of the biosphere reserve on Lanzarote. Access to the park by the public is strictly regulated to protect the delicate flora and fauna. This photo was taken on
Votes
Comments: “La Cueva de las lechuzas, the cave of the owls, is located in the Mo “Bella Durmiente”, the main attraction of the National Park Tingo Maria. The ecosystem that evolved deep inside the forest is of vital importance because
Votes
Photographer’s comment: “Salar de Atacama is the largest salt flat in Chile. Is surrounded by mountains, and has no drainage outlets. In the east it is enclosed by the main chain of the Andes, while to the
Votes
Votes
Comentario del fotógrafo: “En la provincia de Mariscal Cáceres en la región de San Martín 27 agricultores que decidieron cuidar su bosque y abrir una ruta ecoturística y venden sus bonos de carbono. Ellos son la asociación Aproboc que
Votes
Votes
Votes
