"Conserving land and water - securing our common future" is the theme of this year's World Day to Combat Desertification on 17 June. The theme was chosen to raise awareness of the global interdependence of worldwide natural resources like land, soil, water and the climate as a whole.

The further loss of fertile soils, as predicted by most scientists, and the global rise in temperature and the accompanying effects like droughts and floods will not only lead to worldwide mass displacement, but will also destabilize entire societies and give rise to conflicts over scarce resources. The poor are exceedingly affected in this scenario, as the personal 'survival' of these marginalized and environmentally highly vulnerable people and that of their families and communities are at risk.

Everyone's personal lifestyles contribute to the pressure affecting the soils and the atmosphere. The continuous degradation and desertification of soils and lands through overexploitation und their non-sustainable cultivation as well as the wastefulness in handling crucial resources like water and fossil fuels play a central role in this matter.

Through this photo contest, we want to inspire people to care more about our planet. An international jury led by world renowned environmental photographer Michael Martin will choose the winner of the contest that is part of the awareness raising campaign of the UNCCD to deliver the message that sustainable land management is the key to secure our common future.