The Power of Cartoons in Highlighting Pastoralism: Désertif’actions 2026 Results Announced

The excitement surrounding the Désertif’actions 2026 International Press Cartoon Competition has culminated in the announcement of this year’s winners. Organized as part of the “International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists” (IYRP 2026), the competition focused on the critical role of mobile pastoralism and nomadic cultures in global sustainability.

Record Participation: 486 Entries from 53 Countries

Under the theme “Pastoralism: Mobility at the Heart of Balance,” the competition resonated deeply across the globe. According to the selection committee, 272 artists from 53 different countries submitted a total of 486 cartoons. This high level of engagement reaffirms the power of editorial cartoons as a universal visual language capable of transcending borders to create social awareness.

30 Artworks Selected for the Official Exhibition

Following a rigorous evaluation process, 30 works offering unique artistic perspectives on pastoralism and the lives of nomadic peoples were chosen for the official exhibition. These selected pieces were showcased during the Désertif’actions 2026 Summit held on the island of Djerba, Tunisia, drawing significant attention for both their artistic quality and the profound issues they addressed.

Winners and Awards

The winners were officially announced on March 27, 2026, during the summit’s opening ceremony:

• First Prize: Muzaffar Yulchiboev (Uzbekistan)
• Second Prize: Darko Drljevic (Montenegro)

The first-prize winner was awarded €1,500, while the runner-up received €750. These award-winning illustrations continue to communicate the strategic importance of pastoralism in the fight against climate change and for global food security.

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Source: Désertif’actions Official Website (desertif-actions.org)