In celebration of World Wildlife Day (WWD) 2021, celebrated each year on March 3rd, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, is hosting its Third Annual Global Art Contest for ages 4-18 with the theme "Forests and livelihoods: sustaining people and planet."
Between 240 and 350 million people live in or adjacent to forested areas globally, many of them members of indigenous peoples and local communities with long-standing cultural and social attachment to these environments. The traditional knowledge of these communities who have managed forest ecosystems and its wildlife for centuries, is critical to the conservation of the planet's most important reservoirs of biodiversity.
World Wildlife Day 2021 is focused on the livelihoods of indigenous peoples and rural and local communities. There are few ecosystems on Earth on which so many livelihoods depend, and therefore it is fitting that the interconnectedness of forest ecosystems, their species, and the countless people who live in or near them, will be recognized and celebrated.
The third annual contest engages school-aged children from ages 4-18, encouraging a sense of connection between young artists and the diverse forest ecosystems that provide shelter, habitat and resources for both wildlife and people.
This year’s art contest will focus on the interconnectedness of forest ecosystems, their species, and the countless people who live in or near them. Artists are encouraged to depict animals in forest ecosystems and to show the importance of protecting biodiversity for these animals as well as for humans who derive their livelihoods from such places. As children have an affinity for nature, animals, as well as art, the contest gives them a platform for expression while building an even stronger sense of connection with the natural world.
The first day to submit entries is December 18th, and participants can submit electronically through February 7, 2021.
Twelve semi-finalists and one separate grand prize winner will be chosen by a panel of expert judges by February 22nd. The grand prize winner will be announced as part of the official virtual event held on World Wildlife Day, March 3rd.
For contest rules and instructions visit https://www.ifaw.org/world-youth-art-contest-legal-agreement
Learn more about the contest at https://www.ifaw.org/action/global-youth-art-contest
Enter the contest at https://www.ifaw.org/world-youth-art-contest
