Protect Our Coral Reefs

May 1, 2014

Written by Liz Thompson

Winners of the 2014 Science Without Borders® Challenge

The 2014 Science Without Borders® Challenge showcased exceptional student artwork focused on the theme Protect Our Coral Reefs. Riley Samels from Ohio took first place with his powerful piece Reef in a Bottle, which creatively conveyed the importance of protecting coral reefs from pollution, inspired by his own experiences with damaged reefs. His artwork delivered a clear environmental message, combining the classic “ship in a bottle” concept with a call for recycling and reef preservation.

Second place was awarded to Anika Biene Padrigo from the Philippines for My Beloved Coral Reefs. Anika’s artwork captured the beauty of coral reefs and highlighted the need for conservation through a personal, heartfelt perspective. Joint third place winners included Kang San Kim from South Korea with Two Faces of Coral Reefs and Hiba Khamlichi from Morocco for Coral Reefs For Ever. Both pieces explored the challenges coral reefs face and emphasized the urgency of protecting them for future generations.

This year’s competition, which received entries from around the world, continues to inspire students to use their creativity to raise awareness about the critical need for coral reef conservation. The Foundation remains committed to fostering the next generation of environmental advocates through art and education.

Winners:

First Place: “Reef in a Bottle” by Riley Samels

2025-2026 B.A.M. Student Voices

Throughout the Bahamas Awareness of Mangroves (B.A.M.) and Jamaica Awareness of Mangroves in Nature (J.A.M.I.N.) programs, we evaluate each phase of the mangrove education and restoration process to better understand how students are learning, growing, and connecting with their coastal environments.

Before the programs begin, students share what they already know about mangroves and how they feel about them. As the program progresses, we continue to gather feedback to see how their knowledge evolves from identifying mangrove species and understanding food webs to recognizing the role mangroves play in coastal protection and climate change mitigation.

But the surveys go beyond science content.

We also ask students…

Ten Years of B.A.M.: Rooted in Partnership, Growing in Purpose

Ten years ago, the Bahamas Awareness of Mangroves (B.A.M.) program began with a simple but meaningful commitment: to connect Bahamian students with the mangrove ecosystems that shape and protect their island home.

Since 2015, B.A.M. has been implemented in partnership with Friends of the Environment, whose dedication to environmental stewardship in Abaco has made this program possible year after year. Together, we have worked alongside Patrick J. Bethel High School and Forest Heights Academy to bring hands-on mangrove science into classrooms and out into the field.

What makes ten years remarkable is not just longevity — it is consistency…

Winners of the 2014 Science Without Borders® Challenge

Winners:

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2025-2026 B.A.M. Student Voices

Ten Years of B.A.M.: Rooted in Partnership, Growing in Purpose