The Sixth Extinction

May 1, 2023

Written by Liz Thompson

Winners of the 2023 Science Without Borders® Challenge

The 2023 Science Without Borders® Challenge invited young artists from around the world to raise awareness about endangered marine species with the theme, “The Sixth Extinction.” This theme challenged students to reflect on the alarming rate at which marine species are disappearing—many due to human activities such as overfishing, pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction.

With over 1,200 entries from 67 countries, the competition showcased an extraordinary level of talent and environmental consciousness. Students aged 11-19 submitted artwork that not only celebrated the beauty of endangered species but also highlighted the critical threats they face. Their detailed imagery and emotional depth brought to life the struggles of species like the vaquita, hawksbill sea turtle, and many other marine species teetering on the brink of extinction.

The winning pieces captivated us with more than just their artistic brilliance—they delivered powerful messages about the fragile balance of marine ecosystems and humanity’s role in their preservation. These artworks are more than visual masterpieces; they are urgent calls to action, reminding us that the future of our oceans depends on the choices we make today. We are honored to showcase the 2023 Challenge winners, whose art inspires hope and a renewed commitment to protecting marine biodiversity.

Winners & Finalists Ages 11-14:

First Place (11-14): "The sea bears witness to everything" by Yanjun Mao, Age 14, China

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ARTIST'S STATEMENT: The carapace of the hawksbill sea turtle is beautiful ，This has led to a continuous decline in the number of hawksbill sea turtles, and there is a danger of extinction. The background is a tearful eye, and the eyeball is the earth, which symbolizes the ocean. The ocean is the home of the hawksbill sea turtle. The ocean has witnessed all the history of the hawksbill sea turtle. not only the importance of this species, but also witnessing the killing of many hawksbill sea turtles by humans, This evidence proves that the earth is facing the sixth mass extinction. Hawksbill sea turtles are just one of them. The water drop represents the sorrow of the turtle, The light of the sun in the distance represents the hope of the future, because human beings have realized the importance of protecting marine life.

Winners & Finalists Ages 15-19:

"Enhydra" by Jessie Park, Age 15, Singapore

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ARTIST’S STATEMENT: Sea otters are now endangered. Once abundant, the sea otter population is steadily declining due to hunting, pollution, etc. It is true that sea pollution is caused by the human race. We're indiscriminately destroying the environment for our own gain. In “Enhydra”, I wanted to illustrate that though ocean pollution has endangered countless amounts of species, it’s still not too late to help. This painting shows a sea otter floating in water, surrounded by trash as if it's a blanket. The sea is contaminated with black, muddy water and gray-toned dead fish, but there's also a part of the sea that is completely unaffected. It’s filled with colorful corals and tropical fish. Against the backdrop of a bamboo forest and a colorful sky, the clear water flowing through is a symbol of the human effort to purify the environment and save the Earth from the crisis of the Sixth Extinction.

From Dialogue to Action: Ocean Foundations Gather in Stockholm

What can philanthropy accomplish when foundations working across ocean science, conservation, and sustainable development come together around a shared purpose?

That question was at the heart of the 6th UN Ocean Decade Foundations Dialogue, held September 7–9 in Stockholm, Sweden. The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation joined philanthropic organizations from around the world for three days of discussion, collaboration, and planning focused on accelerating progress during the second half of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

Facilitated by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), the UN Ocean Decade Foundations Dialogue is a growing network of more than 30 philanthropic organizations committed to advancing ocean science, collaboration, and action. Since its creation within the framework of the Ocean Decade, the Dialogue has provided foundations with a space to exchange ideas, develop partnerships, and explore how philanthropy can help advance a healthy and resilient ocean.

Hosted by the Voice of the Ocean Foundation (VOTO), this year’s gathering began with From Depth to Action, an Opening Forum that brought nearly 100 leaders from the Swedish and international ocean community together at…

Meet IFAN: Helping Bring Navigate with Care to the Next Generation

If you’ve ever seen a lighthouse flashing from the shore or a brightly colored buoy bobbing in the water, you’ve seen Aids to Navigation at work.

Aids to Navigation, often called AtoNs, help mariners navigate safely. They can mark channels, warn of hazards, help vessels determine their position, and provide other information people need to make safe decisions on the water. Around the world, these systems help guide everything from small recreational boats to large commercial or container ships.

But safe navigation isn’t only about protecting vessels and the people aboard them. The choices mariners make can also affect the animals and ecosystems beneath and around them.

That connection between maritime safety and ocean conservation is at the heart of this year’s Science Without Borders® Challenge—and of our partnership with this year’s theme sponsor, the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN).