Prix Pictet 2008 – water

This powerful volume chronicles the unique and important mission of the Prix Pictet: to use photography to inform worldwide audiences about environmental issues. Launched in April 2008, this is the first photographic award dedicated to sustainability. It is a remarkable enterprise—art of the highest order tackling the most important issues of our time. This year's theme: water. Over 200 photographers from 43 countries were nominated for the first Prix Pictet. These compelling images highlight how vital water (or lack thereof) is to our food supply, to our health, to fragile ecosystems, and ultimately to our peace and security. After considerable debate, the jury short-listed 18 photographers—inevitably excluding some powerful works from further consideration. This book features some of those notable images alongside work by each of the short-listed artists. The skill, imagination and artistic vision displayed by each photographer challenge us all to support change for a sustainable world.

• The shortlist of 18 nominees includes renowned artist such as Edward Burtynsky, Robert Polidori and Roman Signer as well as winner Benoit Aquin
• This testimony to art's power to change features a foreword by Prix Pictet's Honorary President, Kofi Annan