The theme of the second Prix Pictet was Earth, referring in this context to both the natural world and the impact of mankind – both directly and indirectly, and furthermore to the consequences of natural disasters and their effect.

For the Earth award there were entries from 270 photographers, nominated by over seventy art and sustainability specialists from five continents. The shortlist of twelve photographers was presented at Les Rencontres d’Arles Festival on 9 July 2009.

The Prix Pictet Earth was awarded to Nadav Kander for his series Yangtze: The Long River by Kofi Annan at the opening of the exhibition of works by the shortlisted artists in Paris on 22 October 2009.

As part of the Prix Pictet award, the Partners of Pictet & Cie invited Ed Kashi to undertake the second Commission, for which he produced the photographic series Madagascar: A Land Out of Balance.