ABU DHABI (WAM)
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced the launch of the “Art of Mangrove” environmental competition for the emirate’s students.
Coinciding with the International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference, the initiative aims to inspire students, while stimulating their creativity and interest, and increasing their awareness of the importance of mangroves and the need to preserve and rehabilitate these vital trees.
The International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference – the world’s first – will be held in Abu Dhabi from December 10 – 12, to help develop innovative solutions to protect mangroves, promote their rehabilitation, and contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change.
A large number of scientists and specialists in the field of mangrove rehabilitation and conservation as well as coastal ecosystems experts from governmental and non-governmental sectors from all over the world will participate in the conference.
Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environmental Information, Science and Outreach Management at EAD, said, “With their extensive roots and unique ability to adapt to saline-rich environments, mangroves are considered an important part of coastal ecosystems, as they play a vital role in mitigating the effects of climate change by sequestering carbon, and acting as a natural barrier that protects coasts from rising sea levels and severe storms.
With this competition, we aim to encourage students to be creative while sparking their interest in mangrove ecosystems, helping them explore their fascinating world to enhance their understanding of preserving this important ecosystem and its role in enhancing coastal resilience.”
The competition is divided into two categories: the first targets students from grades one to five, with participation being limited to drawing under the theme of wonders and secrets of mangroves.
The second category targets students from grades six to nine and includes sculptures and artistic models on the theme of working with mangroves. Students participating in the second category can build a model using sustainable or recycled materials to represent the unique mangrove ecosystem and showcase its different elements, or to tell a story through or about them.
Students can also design a ‘mangrove defence model’, which can be a tool for planting trees, cleaning up pollution, or monitoring the health of trees. The participating schools will be holding an internal competition to select the top three students, ensuring all artworks submitted adhere to the main topics and themes of the conference, but with an added creative touch.
All artworks must use sustainable and environmentally friendly materials, preferably recyclable. Students must submit their artworks to EAD's headquarters, or to its offices in Al Dhafra and Al Ain, between October 30 and November 6, from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Artistic Criteria
A jury from EAD will evaluate the submitted artworks and select the best entries. After the initial evaluation phase is completed, art critics from Zayed University will review the shortlisted entries and select the winners according to certain artistic criteria.
These include creative and innovative features, the effective use of materials, the use of sustainable materials, originality of ideas, the environmental message conveyed, and quality of the artwork.
Winners will be announced in November, and the winning students will be notified through their schools and via email. Winners will be recognised and awarded, and the top 20 paintings and top 10 sculptures will be displayed at the International Mangrove and Conservation and Restoration Conference.