The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Olympus Corporation and the AFP (Agence France-Presse) Foundation, is organising a photo contest to highlight how the people of Africa are working towards MDG 7 - ensuring environmental sustainability - by mitigating the effects of climate change and environmental degradation in their countries, cities, and communities. The objective of the contest is to raise the visibility of solutions as opposed to capturing the damage caused by climate change, as well as portray the people of Africa as stewards and protectors of their environment. Photos submitted for the contest must illustrate that theme. Special attention will be given to photos that take into account the role that women can and do play in that regard.

The top three winners in each category will receive Olympus cameras. The winning photos and photo essays will be displayed on the websites of all three sponsors and will be shown in at least two exhibitions in Africa and the United States. The first prize winners will be flown to New York for an awards ceremony. One first prize winner in the professional category will also be eligible for a fellowship through the AFP Foundation.

Click here for more information about the awards.

The contest is open to all photographers, with no restrictions based on age, gender, or nationality. Minors are responsible for ensuring their submission complies with the legal requirements of their country. Participants must either be a citizen of an African country or have lived in an African country for 12 months between August 2007 and August 2009. There are two categories: individual photos (up to 5 entries per person) and photo essay (one photo essay, 4-10 photos per essay, per person). Applicants may only enter one category.

All submissions must be completed online, via the awards website.

Click here for detailed submission guidelines and a link to enter via the website.

Picture This website on August 31 2009.