Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched the "Art of Mangrove" competition, inviting students in Abu Dhabi to explore the wonders of mangroves through art. Coinciding with the International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference, the initiative aims to inspire creativity and raise awareness about the vital role of mangroves in environmental sustainability. The competition is divided into two categories. The first category targets students in grades one to five, focusing on drawing under the theme "wonders and secrets of mangroves." The second category is for students in grades six to nine and involves creating sculptures and artistic models on the theme "working with mangroves." Participants in this category can use sustainable or recycled materials to represent the mangrove ecosystem, tell a story about it, or design a "mangrove defense model" as a tool for planting trees, cleaning up pollution, or monitoring tree health. Participating schools will hold internal competitions to select the top three students. Artworks must adhere to the competition's main topics and themes, incorporating a creative touch using sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. Students are required to submit their artworks to EAD's headquarters or its offices in Al Dhafra and Al Ain between October 30 and November 6. A jury from EAD will evaluate the submitted artworks based on creativity, innovation, use of sustainable materials, originality, the environmental message conveyed, and the quality of the artwork. Art critics from Zayed University will then review the shortlisted entries and select the winners. Winners will be announced in November, and the top 20 paintings and top 10 sculptures will be displayed at the International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference. The competition comes ahead of the world’s first International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference in Abu Dhabi, scheduled from December 10 to 12. The conference will bring together scientists, specialists in mangrove rehabilitation, and coastal ecosystem experts from around the world to develop innovative solutions for mangrove conservation and rehabilitation. “With their extensive roots and unique ability to adapt to saline-rich environments, mangroves are considered an important part of coastal ecosystems,” said Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environmental Information, Science and Outreach Management at EAD. He emphasized that mangroves play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon and acting as natural barriers that protect coastlines from rising sea levels and severe storms. ICA/Expat Media
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