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

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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 Growth of Hope" by Rachel Chen, Age 16, Indonesia

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Artist's Statement: In this piece, a little girl is shown to be planting a mangrove tree to help conserve the mangrove. The transparency of her body conveys how she actually isn't physically there to protect the environment because the destruction of mangroves is an issue often overlooked nowadays. The girl's youth signifies how important it is for our young generation to start taking action, and the little mangrove tree she's planting symbolizes hope for the ecosystem's viability and condition. I painted many different creatures, plants, and corals in the background to indicate how there are endless living things that rely on the mangrove's ecosystem. Without mangroves, habitats of all these species would be lost, water quality and clarity may not be maintained, and other critical issues that could adversely impact our lives would arise.