Abu Dhabi Students To Showcase Creativity In EAD’s ‘Art Of Mangrove’ Competition

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has introduced the "Art of Mangrove" competition for students in the emirate. This initiative aligns with the International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference, aiming to inspire creativity and raise awareness about mangroves' importance. The competition seeks to engage students in preserving and rehabilitating these crucial trees.

Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environmental Information, Science and Outreach Management at EAD, highlighted the significance of mangroves. He stated, "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."

The International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference will take place in Abu Dhabi from 10th to 12th December. This event aims to develop innovative solutions for mangrove protection and rehabilitation. It will feature numerous scientists, specialists in mangrove conservation, and coastal ecosystem experts from both governmental and non-governmental sectors worldwide.

The competition is divided into two categories based on student grade levels. The first category is for grades one to five, focusing on drawing under the theme of "wonders and secrets of mangroves." The second category targets grades six to nine, involving sculptures and artistic models themed around working with mangroves.

Students in the second category can create models using sustainable or recycled materials. These models should represent the unique aspects of the mangrove ecosystem or tell a story about them. They can also design a ‘mangrove defence model’ that could be used for planting trees, cleaning pollution, or monitoring tree health.

Participating schools will conduct internal competitions to select their top three students. All submitted artworks must adhere to the conference's main themes while incorporating creative elements. Artworks should use sustainable materials that are preferably recyclable.

Submission Details

Students need to submit their artworks between 30th October-6th November from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at EAD's headquarters or its offices in Al Dhafra and Al Ain. A jury from EAD will evaluate the submissions based on specific criteria such as creativity, innovation, effective use of materials, originality, environmental message conveyed, and overall quality.

After initial evaluations by EAD’s jury, art critics from Zayed University will review shortlisted entries. Winners will be chosen based on artistic criteria including creativity, innovation, material usage, originality of ideas, environmental messaging, and artwork quality.

The winners will be announced in November through their schools and via email. Recognised winners will receive awards, with the top 20 paintings and top 10 sculptures displayed at the International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference.

This competition not only encourages student creativity but also deepens their understanding of mangrove ecosystems' role in enhancing coastal resilience.

With inputs from WAM