emirates7 - The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched the "Art of Mangrove" environmental competition for students across the emirate. This initiative, which coincides with the upcoming International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference, aims to inspire creativity in students, increase their awareness of mangroves, and emphasize the importance of conserving and rehabilitating these vital ecosystems.
The International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference, the first of its kind globally, will take place in Abu Dhabi from December 10th to 12th. It will bring together scientists, specialists in mangrove rehabilitation, and coastal ecosystem experts from both governmental and non-governmental sectors worldwide to develop innovative solutions for mangrove protection and address climate change challenges.
Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environmental Information, Science and Outreach Management at EAD, highlighted the significance of mangroves, noting their ability to adapt to saline environments and their role in combating climate change by sequestering carbon. Mangroves also serve as natural barriers against coastal erosion and extreme weather. He emphasized that the competition aims to encourage student creativity and spark their interest in mangrove ecosystems, enhancing their understanding of the importance of preserving this vital environment.
The competition features two categories: one for students in grades one to five, who will submit drawings under the theme "Wonders and Secrets of Mangroves," and another for students in grades six to nine, which will involve sculptures and artistic models. The older students can use sustainable or recycled materials to representations of the mangrove ecosystem or develop a "mangrove defense model," which could focus on planting, pollution cleanup, or tree health monitoring.
Participating schools will hold internal competitions to their top three students. All submitted artworks must use sustainable, environmentally friendly materials and align with the competition’s themes. Entries must be submitted to EAD's offices between October 30th and November 6th.
A jury from EAD will review the submissions and choose the best entries, followed by a second evaluation by art critics from Zayed University. The selection will be based on creativity, originality, effective use of materials, environmental messaging, and overall quality. Winners will be announced in November, and their artworks will be displayed at the International Mangrove Conference. The top 20 paintings and 10 sculptures will be featured, and the winning students will receive recognition and awards.
The International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference, the first of its kind globally, will take place in Abu Dhabi from December 10th to 12th. It will bring together scientists, specialists in mangrove rehabilitation, and coastal ecosystem experts from both governmental and non-governmental sectors worldwide to develop innovative solutions for mangrove protection and address climate change challenges.
Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environmental Information, Science and Outreach Management at EAD, highlighted the significance of mangroves, noting their ability to adapt to saline environments and their role in combating climate change by sequestering carbon. Mangroves also serve as natural barriers against coastal erosion and extreme weather. He emphasized that the competition aims to encourage student creativity and spark their interest in mangrove ecosystems, enhancing their understanding of the importance of preserving this vital environment.
The competition features two categories: one for students in grades one to five, who will submit drawings under the theme "Wonders and Secrets of Mangroves," and another for students in grades six to nine, which will involve sculptures and artistic models. The older students can use sustainable or recycled materials to representations of the mangrove ecosystem or develop a "mangrove defense model," which could focus on planting, pollution cleanup, or tree health monitoring.
Participating schools will hold internal competitions to their top three students. All submitted artworks must use sustainable, environmentally friendly materials and align with the competition’s themes. Entries must be submitted to EAD's offices between October 30th and November 6th.
A jury from EAD will review the submissions and choose the best entries, followed by a second evaluation by art critics from Zayed University. The selection will be based on creativity, originality, effective use of materials, environmental messaging, and overall quality. Winners will be announced in November, and their artworks will be displayed at the International Mangrove Conference. The top 20 paintings and 10 sculptures will be featured, and the winning students will receive recognition and awards.