Winners of the 2021 Science Without Borders® Challenge
In 2021, the Science Without Borders® Challenge invited students to explore “The Magic of Mangroves.” This international student art contest focused on the vital role mangrove forests play in coastal ecosystems. Mangroves are extraordinary trees that thrive where land meets sea, protecting coastlines from storms, filtering water, storing carbon, and providing shelter for countless species both above and below the waterline.
Students from 63 countries participated in the competition, creating artwork that showcased the beauty and importance of mangroves. Their pieces highlighted how mangroves serve as nurseries for young fish, provide habitat for diverse wildlife, and help combat climate change by sequestering carbon. Using striking visuals and creative expression, students captured the wonder of these unique ecosystems and their benefits to both people and the planet.
Winning entries came from talented young artists in the United States, South Korea, and Slovakia. Their artwork not only celebrated the magic of mangroves but also inspired greater awareness of the need to protect these critical coastal forests. The contest illustrated how art can be a powerful tool for ocean conservation, engaging the next generation in the fight to preserve our natural world.
Winners & Finalists Ages 11-14:
First Place: "Shelter" by Dana Chung, Age 13, Connecticut, United States of America
Artist's Statement: Mangrove forests are the barrier that protects locals from severe ocean waves and flooding, and also a shelter that protects sea animals. There are many various reasons that Mangrove trees are a valuable property for not just for humans, but also for the Earth. For this art piece, I depicted a safe, protective shelter that is for all aquatic animals.
Winners & Finalists Ages 15-19:
"The Heart of the Mangrove Forests" by Catherine Chen, Age 15, New Jersey, United States of America
Artist's Statement: Mangrove forests are an overlooked ecosystem, its plain exterior not as attention-grabbing as sandy beaches or colorful coral reefs. However, they are essential to protecting the land around them and the life that inhabits the area. Many animals also call mangrove forests their breeding and nursery grounds, creating a habitat churning with life. In my artwork, I connected the way mangrove forests protect the flora and fauna that exists inside it to how our ribs protect our heart. In my painting, the ribs are the trees of the mangrove forest while the heart is composed of animals that make up the life force of the ecological community. Different creatures weave in between the branches, representing the biological diversity of this unique ecosystem. Both our body and mangrove forests are adapted to survive in difficult conditions in order to protect what is most important, the life that lives within.
