Learning about the environment through art

Biodiversity - the variety of life is all around us and is necessary for everyday living. Every year on May 22, the World celebrates International Day for Biological Diversity on a theme that focuses observations on a particular issue of importance to biodiversity. This year’s theme highlights “Marine and Coastal Biodiversity” to bring much needed awareness to the plight of the often neglected marine organisms, which are being threatened by climate change, pollution, the marine industry and more importantly, overharvesting.
The Environmental Protection Agency, which is the executing Agency for the Convention on Biological Diversity, planned and carried out a number of activities to mark International Day of Biological Diversity. These included a Youth Forum for secondary level students at Anna Regina two Seminars targeting students of at CPCE and the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences-UG; outreach to selected primary schools; and an Art Competition.

Winners of the Art Competition – from left, Kizzan Henry, Saurav Moonsamy and Keran Kester James.

Both visual and performed art are excellent ways to tell important stories about the importance and threats facing our natural environment. Activities such as art allow children to use their imagination and aids in the development of their physco-motor skills. Through art, children can express their views on the environment.

EPA’s Art Competition on Biodiversity

Recognizing the potential of Art  for learning, an Art Competition under the theme “We depend on marine life-Protect it” was extended to twenty selected primary schools in administrative Regions 3 and 4, for Grade Six students. Sessions were conducted for these students to sensitize them on the theme for Biodiversity Day, as well as the guidelines for the competition.
At the end of the competition, a total of 55 entries were received from eight of the schools. Entries received were judged on originality, relevance to the theme (for the Art Competition), and creativity. The results of the competition were as follows:

1st place- Kizzan Henry of Den Amstel Primary School
2nd place- Keran Kester James of Sophia Primary School
3rd place- Saurav Moonsamy of La Grange Primary School

The students were awarded  prizes of a $20,000, $15,000 and $10,000 book vouchers for first, second and third place respectively. Ms. Henry was also awarded a trip for three to Splashmins Eco Park, compliments of the National Parks Commission.

1st place entry submitted by Kizzan Henry

2nd place entry submitted by Keron Kester James

3 rd place entry submitted by Saurav Moonsamy

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it