First prize in the competition: “Barrier to Pastoralism” by Muzaffar Yulchi, Uzbekistan

First prize was awarded to the Uzbek artist Muzaffar Yulchi, whose work impressed the jury with its powerful vision and delicate brushwork. Born in 1993 in the village of Sang, in the Namangan region of Uzbekistan, Muzaffar Yulchi was trained in the visual arts from a very young age. After studying at School No. 35 and then at the Namangan Art College, he continued his studies at the Kamoliddin Behzod National Institute of Painting and Design in Tashkent, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2016.

A graphic designer, draughtsman and illustrator, his work is characterised by a clear desire to offer a different perspective on the world. His creations, often imbued with symbolism and social commentary, have already earned him international recognition: around ten of his works have won awards in competitions around the world, and he has taken part in over 70 international exhibitions dedicated to poster art and caricature.

The jury, chaired by Jean-Michel Renault, praised a work that is “both powerful and universal”, capable of accurately capturing the contemporary challenges associated with desertification and pastoral lifestyles. The award ceremony took place in the presence of the artist, who had travelled specially from Uzbekistan, as well as Patrice Burger, president of CARI, the organisation behind the summit, and Jean-Michel Renault.

Second prize: “Begs” by Darko Drljevic, Montenegro

The second prize was awarded to Darko Drljevic, an artist from Montenegro and a leading figure in international press cartooning. Born on 28 February 1962 in Kolasin, he is currently president of the Montenegrin Cartoonists’ Association. A freelance cartoonist, painter and illustrator, he has had an exceptional career, with over 280 awards to his name, 65 solo exhibitions and more than 500 participations in group exhibitions. Author of five books and editor of the satirical magazine TUS, he also founded Montenegro’s first international cartoon competition. His work, featured in numerous newspapers, magazines and television channels, reflects a constant commitment to drawing as a vehicle for universal expression.

The Désertif’actions cartoon competition once again stands out this year as a platform for socially conscious expression, blending art and advocacy. Through the diverse perspectives of artists from around the world, it highlights, with both humour and seriousness, the environmental and human challenges facing arid regions.

The success of the 2026 edition confirms the growing interest in these art forms as tools for raising awareness, capable of reaching a wide audience and sparking debate far beyond specialist circles.

The article Drawing to raise awareness: Muzaffar Yulchi wins the press cartoon competition appeared first on Desertif'actions.

A global success for a vital cause

Who said pastoralism was a niche subject? Certainly not the 272 artists from 53 countries who responded to the call of the Désertif’actions summit. With 486 drawings received, this fourth international competition literally broke all records, proving that the resilience of territories and the mobility of herds are subjects that inspire from Iran (64 entries) to China (21), via Brazil, Indonesia and France.

The Jury in the arena: four hours of passionate debate

From left to right : Isabelle Teysseidre, Manuel Lapers, Jean-Michel Renault, Pierre Balhouet, Alain Plombat, Adeline Derkimba, Patrice Burger

On 11 December, the atmosphere was electric at the Maison des Relations Internationales in Montpellier. A jury of experts — including leading cartoonists (Jean-Michel Renault, MAN, Pierre Ballhouet), journalists and pastoralism specialists — had to make a decision.

“It’s a tremendous success in terms of participation,” said jury president J.M. Renault.

But the task was difficult. The theme — “Pastoralism, mobility at the heart of balance” — was demanding. Between biting humour, satire and social criticism, it took five rounds of judging to narrow down nearly 500 entries to a final selection of 30 exceptional drawings.

Why press cartoons?

For Patrice Burger, president of CARI and initiator of the competition, the challenge is clear: to transform complex subjects (climate, biodiversity, land) into powerful images that speak to everyone. It is a “key to communicating with the widest possible audience” and a vibrant tribute to the creativity of artists.

See you in Djerba for the final showdown

The suspense remains! While the 30 best drawings will be publicly exhibited at the Désertif’actions summit in Tunisia, the identities of the two grand prize winners will not be revealed until 27 March 2026.

The prize for the winners:

• 1st Prize: €1,500 and an invitation to Djerba for the event.
• Second Prize: €750.

One thing is certain: thanks to these artists, the cause of pastoral peoples will never again be invisible.

The 30 selected drawings

Click on the image to enlarge it

The article Pastoralism in bubbles and pencils: The huge success of the Désertif’actions 2026 competition! appeared first on Desertif'actions.

From 8 September to 15 November, the press cartoon competition is being launched on the theme of “Pastoralism, mobility at the heart of balance”. Cartoonists from all over the world are invited to use their creativity and critical eye to explore this way of life and its challenges!

After several committed editions on desertification, the climate and the Great Green Wall, Désertif’actions is this time inviting press cartoonists from around the world to express their views on the cause of pastoralism and pastoral peoples. 

Discover past editions

Entitled “Pastoralism, mobility at the heart of balance”, this 5th competition aims to illustrate the social, environmental and economic issues associated with pastoralism: mobility, adaptation, the human-animal-territory link, climate and political challenges, etc.

Who can take part?

The competition is open to all press cartoonists of any nationality who have published at least one cartoon since January 2025.

Each participant may submit up to 2 drawings, in colour or black & white, before 15 November 2025 at 23:59 (CET).

How can you take part?

Drawings should be sent to :

• concours.desertif.actions@gmail.com
• Subject of e-mail: “DA26 drawing competition
• Required format: JPEG – 300 dpi – A4

The drawing must be accompanied by information about the author, a short biography and – if necessary – a FR/EN translation of the texts in the image.

Awards

1st prize: €1,500 + invitation to Djerba during the Désertif’actions 2026 summit

2nd prize: €750

A certificate of participation will be issued to all candidates and 30 selected drawings will be exhibited publicly at the summit in Djerba and broadcast online on the desertif-actiosn.org website and on social networks.

A panel of professionals

A 7-member jury (cartoonists, experts, journalists, representatives of organisations) chaired by an artistic personality will select the winners at the end of 2025.

Organisers and partners

This competition is organised by: CARI as part of the International Desertif’actions 2026 Summit.

Key dates

Applications open: 8 September 2025

Closing: 15 November 2025 at 23:59 (CET)

Résultats : janvier 2026

Exhibition in Djerba: 25-28 March 2026

Find out more

Contact presse : concours.desertif.actions@gmail.com

Previous campaigns

2022 edition, Earth and drought

1st prize Victor Solí – Mexico

2019 edition, Draw me the Great Green Wall!

1er prix : Glez – Burkina Faso

2017 edition, Land degradation and climate: Europe and the world face the final frontiers

1st prize: Manfruelli BATTI, France

2015 edition, La terre fait son climat

1st prize: Oleski – Ukraine

The article Launch of the international press cartoon competition: “Pastoralism, mobility at the heart of balance”. appeared first on Desertif'actions.