2021 Science Without Borders® Challenge Finalists: 15-19 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 older group of applicants, students 15-19 years old:
"Mangroves: Humble, Strong, Essential" by Daye Kwon, Age 18, Arkansas, United States of America
Artist's Statement: Mangroves are humble, and Mangroves are strong. Mangroves lack the visual extravagance that other plants may possess; yet standing strong with roots reaching deep into the mud, they play a central role in crafting vibrant and flourishing ecosystems that support countless forms of life. My illustration takes the viewer on an aerial view of mangroves in their natural habitat. The rendition of the mangroves is purposely simple; it draws focus to the impact mangroves have in their ecosystems. Mangroves provide habitat for a variety of animals such as fish and the white egret and also protect human life by absorbing energy. Moreover, they improve water quality, which in turn benefits organisms and other ecosystems. The movement, energy, and vibrant colors of the water reflect this effect. Mangroves matter. There is growing need to protect them from human activity and pollutants, as protecting one mangrove protects thousands more lives.
