2021 Science Without Borders® Challenge Finalists: 11-14 year old students
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is pleased to announce the finalists in our 2021 Science Without Borders® Challenge! This international student art contest engages students in important ocean issues through art. For this year’s competition, students were asked to illustrate one or more of the benefits mangroves provide to people, other organisms, or the environment.
Entries to the Science Without Borders® Challenge are judged in two categories based on age. Here are the finalists selected from the younger group of applicants, students 11-14 years old:
"The Unique Mangroves in Kerala" by Viara Pencheva, Age 11, Bulgaria
Artist's Statement: Mangrove forests are among the most productive ecosystems on earth and serve many important functions, including water filtration, prevention of coastal erosion, coastal protection from storms, carbon storage, food, timber, livelihood provision and biodiversity protection. The intricate root system of mangroves also makes these forests attractive to fish and other organisms seeking food and shelter from predators. Despite the incredible value that these ecosystems provide, mangrove forests are continuing to be destroyed and degraded as a result of land use change, exploitation, coastal development and climate change. In 2019 I had the opportunity to visit a mangrove forest in Kerala, India. It was really wonderful! With my painting I wish to show the beauty of the mangrove forests and to help saving these unique ecosystems!
