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:
Third Place: “Stop, Let’s Preserve Our Mangroves” by Michelle Yang, Age 16, California, United States of America
Artist's Statement: This drawing illustrates a visual of an ecosystem around mangroves where animals, plants, and even humans depend on each other. Life goes on in this enchanted world: animals take in oxygen released from the mangroves, school of fish swims around the corals as the bigger fish and birds look for food, others like the otter and the raccoon playfully roam around their home like a normal day. But something is different this particular day. A hurricane is heading towards them as the three men are cutting down their home, oblivious to the fact that it will absorb the storm’s energy, saving lives. The woman in the foreground understands the problem and signals them to stop, as she goes into the water trying to save the animals. But is she trying to save them from the three men or the hurricane? It is up to the viewer to decide.
