Climate change is reshaping how we live, move, build, care, and imagine the future. Adaptation happens everywhere: in regions, cities, and rural areas, in everyday gestures and collective actions, as well as in visible transformations and subtle adjustments.
As part of the DesirMED project, we invite individuals of all backgrounds to participate in an open photo competition that documents and interprets the climate resilient transformations happening in the Mediterranean region.
This call is open to everyone – students, professionals, amateurs, researchers, activists, and members of the general public.
Theme: Transformative Climate Adaptation in the Mediterranean region
The aim of the contest is to highlight, through photographic documentation, how collective or individual efforts, whether structured or impulsive, are instrumental in transforming landscapes of the Mediterranean. We also aim to highlight different ways of managing these transforming landscapes, thereby mitigating the dramatic effects of climate change. The main message expected to be echoed through this exhibition is a ray of hope and resilience, the timeless power of nature and the great potential of human collaboration
Photographs may address, for example:
- Adaptation in everyday life, homes, cities, or landscapes
- Human-nature relationships in a changing environment
- Local responses, resilience, and community initiatives
- Invisible, future, or emerging forms of adaptation
- Nature-based Solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation
- Hope, transformation, and climate-resilient futures
Both documentary and artistic approaches are welcome.
Who can participate?
- Open to Mediterranean-based individuals and groups
- No age, educational, or professional restrictions
Why participate?
This photo exhibition endeavors to create a shared visual space, where a wide array of perspectives on climate adaptation can meet, inspire dialogue, and generate reflection on how we live with change. Participants will join a growing Mediterranean community working toward a more resilient future. Importantly, the winner will have the opportunity to attend one of DesirMED’s flagship events, and network with a wide community of people in the Mediterranean region. The winner will participate in our efforts to ensure a more resilient future.
Submission guidelines
- Each participant may submit up to 2 photographs
- Photographs must be submitted in high resolution (min. 2400×1080) via the online Circle the MED platform submission form.
- Images may be in color or black and white
- Photos should be taken in Mediterranean countries
- Basic editing is allowed; AI-generated images are not accepted
Each submission must include:
- Title of the photograph
- Short description (max. 400 characters)
- Location and year of capture
- Photographer’s name (or collective name of the team)
Selection & Voting
- All eligible submissions will be displayed in an online gallery on the DesirMED platform
- The selection of the best photos to be exhibited will be done via a combination of external (70% of the rating will be based on the online voting system) and internal DesirMED evaluation (30% of the rating will result by the DesirMED evaluation Committee).
- 15 Selected photographs will be featured in the final photo exhibition during the Circle the Med Forum, taking place from 19-21 May 2026 in Piraeus (details and agenda to be announced).
Selection criteria will include:
- Relevance to the theme of transformative climate adaptation in the Mediterranean region: the photo must clearly illustrate transformation and adaptation to climate change, showing how people, communities, ecosystems, or infrastructure are responding to climate impacts.
- Storytelling and Message: the image should convey a strong, understandable story or message about change, resilience, or innovation related to climate adaptation
- Creativity and Originality: submissions should offer a fresh, thoughtful, or unique perspective on climate adaptation and transformation
- Technical Quality: photographs should demonstrate adequate technical quality (focus, exposure, composition) suitable for exhibition and online display
- Title and short caption should be included
Award
One (1) winner will be selected and invited to travel to Cyprus (travel and accommodation costs covered) to attend the DesirMED 1st Adaptation Festival. The festival will be an open event with discussions, interactive activities, games, music, etc. and will take place in Larnaca, Cyprus on 25-26 September 2026.
Key dates
- Submission deadline: 20 April 2026
- Online voting period: 20 April – 05 May 2026
- Exhibition dates: 19 – 21 May 2026 (Piraeus, Circle the MED Forum)
- DesirMED Adaptation Festival: 24 – 25 September 2026, Larnaca, Cyprus
Rights & Credits
Photographers retain full copyright of their images. By submitting, participants grant DesirMED permission to use the photographs for exhibition, communication, and non-commercial dissemination related to the project, with full credit given to the owner of the photo.
