A Page in the Planet’s Artful Story

Cedric Habiyaremye
Jul 25
3 min read

Food Planet Future: The Art of Turning Food and Climate Perils into Possibilities by Robert Dash

Not long ago, I got unexpected news: our work, our story, and the mission behind it had been featured in the book titled: Food Planet Future: The Art of Turning Food and Climate Perils into Possibilities by Robert Dash.

More than a book, Food Planet Future weaves together art and science in a compelling way. With stunning images, photos, and thoughtful insights, it delves into the tangled links between food systems, climate change, and biodiversity loss. It doesn't shy away from showing the damage, but it also doesn’t stop there. It goes further, sparking wonder, firing up the imagination, and urging us to examine what sustains us and how we can sustain the planet in turn.

The book's recent wins, the 2025 Nautilus Book Award for Photography and Arts, and the 2025 Gourmand Award for Best in the World in Food Security, highlight the urgency and beauty of the story it tells. Seeing our names and efforts spotlighted in its pages feels like both an honor and a nudge: the global dialogue on food and climate is expanding, and every meaningful contribution matters.

The Roots Beneath the Recognition

People often notice the accolades, the features, the awards, the spotlight moments. But they rarely see what lies beneath:

The slow, patient work of listening to farmers. The unglamorous hours of field trials, failed attempts, and reworked strategies. The emotional weight of working in systems where need is immediate, and solutions are long-term.

This recognition isn’t about any one individual. It belongs to the farmers whose lived experience is too often left out of decision-making tables. To the young scientists in under-resourced labs solving critical challenges driven by sheer determination. To the women and men tending soil and seeds amid shifting climates. To the rural communities who've shown us that resilience is more than a trendy term, it is everyday survival.

Our inclusion in Food Planet Future reflects the reality that food systems are deeply human systems. To protect them, we must honor those who live and work closest to the land.

When Art and Science Speak Together

What sets Robert Dash's work apart is how it engages both intellect and emotion. His photos pull you in with sheer beauty, then lead you to deeper insights. It's the kind of approach the food world needs badly: not just data or dread, but genuine connection.

We often talk about evidence-based change, but emotion-based change matters just as much. When we feel connected to something, we’re more likely to protect it. This is why storytelling in food systems isn’t just a communication tool; it’s a form of advocacy.

Food Planet Future doesn’t claim to solve the crisis. It invites us to see it more clearly. In doing so, it challenges us to imagine again what would be possible if we placed care, biodiversity, and climate at the center of how we grow and eat.

From Recognition to Relationship

Shortly after the feature came out, a signed copy of the book arrived in the mail; a thoughtful gesture from Robert Dash himself. Inside, a handwritten note: personal and truly meaningful.

Signed copy of Food Planet Future by Robert Dash featuring Dr. Cedric Habiyaremye — *The signed copy of Food Planet Future I received from author Robert Dash. Thank you for this thoughtful gesture.*

In our fast-paced world, we don't often stop to savor these wins. But maybe we should. They remind us that people stand behind every project, idea, photo, and experiment. When we acknowledge each other's efforts, something more profound is built: Connection. Continuity. Shared purpose.