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The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) Photography Awards 2026 have celebrated the vital role of rangelands and their pastoral communities, with three winning images now on public display online and at GLF Africa 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. The awards, announced on April 28, 2026, coincide with the United Nations’ designation of 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, highlighting the urgent need to protect ecosystems that cover 54% of the Earth’s land surface and support around two billion livelihoods globally.
The winning photographs were selected from a shortlist of 35, drawn from nearly 600 submissions spanning Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. First prize was awarded to Indian photographer Vivek Goyal for “Gold rush,” an image captured inside Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. The photograph depicts a gaucha, a female gaucho, on horseback guiding a flock of sheep across open grassland, with snow-capped mountains and a lake in the background.
Goyal expressed hope that the image would encourage people to recognize gauchos as essential stewards of some of the world’s most precious ecosystems. “I hope this image encourages people to look beyond the postcard scenery and recognise the gaucho as essential stewards of some of our most precious ecosystems,” he said.
Second prize went to Myo Minn Aung of Myanmar for “The golden moment of the plains,” a portrait of rural pastoral life in Bagan, a city renowned for its ancient temples but also home to a deep agricultural tradition. Aung said the photograph documents the authenticity of rural life and the deep connection between people, grazing lands, and the natural environment.
The popular vote prize was awarded to Indonesian photographer Ahmad Wahyudi for “The herders of thousands of Merak village cows,” an image taken at dawn inside Baluran National Park in Situbondo Regency. Wahyudi described the moment as spontaneous and candid, capturing a scene rarely witnessed by outsiders.
The judging panel included wildlife conservation scientist and filmmaker Victoria Wanjohi of Kenya, documentary filmmaker Carlos Espinosa of Ecuador, digital producer Edliadi Mokhammad of Indonesia, and wildlife filmmaker Mayuresh Hendre of India. Wanjohi noted that the passion and determination in the photographs tell a story of why rangelands must be protected and how they are vital to the livelihoods of communities worldwide.
The winning and shortlisted photographs are currently on exhibit online at the GLF website and will be showcased in person at GLF Africa 2026, held at the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) office in Nairobi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the GLF Photography Awards 2026?
The awards highlight the importance of rangelands, which cover 54% of the Earth’s land surface and support around two billion livelihoods globally. They also coincide with the UN’s designation of 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, drawing global attention to these ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
Who won the first prize, and what is the title of their photograph?
Indian photographer Vivek Goyal won first prize for “Gold rush,” an image captured in Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. The photograph depicts a gaucha guiding a flock of sheep across open grassland.
Where can the winning photographs be viewed?
The winning and shortlisted photographs are on exhibit online at the GLF website and will be showcased in person at GLF Africa 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya.
As rangelands face increasing threats from climate pressures, conflict, and mismanagement, how can global recognition of their importance help shape their future?
