Meet Our IDB Art Contest Winners
Biodiversity Day commemorated on the 22nd of May every year, seeks to give us an opportunity to look back and reflect on the importance and issues faced by all living organism on the Earth. Issues of biodiversity continues to be a crucial topic as its health, safety is linked to all of man’s survival. Addressing issues such as climate change and avoiding future incidences of pandemics such as COVID 19, depends to a very large extent, the manner in which we choose to handle biodiversity around us.
This year’s International Day of Biodiversity (IDB) celebration was held under the theme ‘’We’re part of the Solution’ ’with #ForNature accompanying it. The slogan was chosen to set as a reminder that, everyone on this earth, has a lot to contribute to securing nature and biodiversity with no action being too small. With this mindset A Rocha Ghana (ARG) together with Ghana Wildlife Society, SAhadji and GH Environment held an online art contest to commemorate the day from ending of April till the 20th of May.
The online contest allowed children and students of ages six to 15 years to express what the theme means to them and how art can be used to highlight nature-based solutions towards issues such as climate change, health issues, food and water security, sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity loss and the likes.
With a little over 100 entries from different parts of Ghana and the world, art works depicting topics such as the use of green energy, to highlighting issues on galamsey were interpreted into various art forms ranging from literal to more abstract interpretations.
Our Winners
Three (3) judges scored each artwork using a few criteria such as originality, creativity, interpretation of the theme and then totalled it up to select the top three.
The first position coming all the way from India, was won by 14-year-old Pratiksha Jadhav of Rajarambapu English High school. Her colourful and intricate art depicted the issues and solutions facing biodiversity. Second place went to Nadia Shaibu, a 15-year-old of Alysd Academy who used abstract art to depict her interpretation of how biodiversity, climate issues and its issues are all connected. lsla Danquah, an 11-year-old home schooler with her art work entitled the Eco earth factory, came third.
All three were awarded prizes with first place receiving a certificate, canvas tote bags, and art supplies and free art sessions by SAhadji. Second and third place received certificates, canvas tote bags, and art supplies respectively.
Deputy National Director of A Rocha Ghana, Mr. Daryl Bosu presenting prizes to Nadia Shaibu, 2nd and lsla Danquah, 3rd place winners of the art contest
Here are quotes from some of our participants;
“Nature inspires me because we cannot turn back time. But we can grow trees, green our cities, re-wild our gardens, change our diets and clean up rivers and coasts. We are the generation that can make peace with nature. Let’s get active, not anxious. Let’s be bold, not timid.”
-Ananya Rout
“Nature inspires me very much because when I see mountains, lakes etc. I get a feeling that how special I am that God has given me this beautiful world.”
-Eidu Zaifa
“The inspiration I get from nature is to respect the circle of life. I love watching the beautiful sunset and the colourful flowers around me.”
-Shinead Cowan
“Nature is beautiful and it is special to me. I love nature.”
-Adefa Atikpo
“Human activities such as cutting down trees, littering destroys the environment. So, we must help to protect it.”
-Daniel Nyamedo Appiah- Marfo
“We must practice afforestation to help restore cut down trees.”
-Joshua Larbi-Mensah
“I encourage all around the world to help save the forest by replanting the cut down trees.”
-Dasia Nhyira Appiah Marfo
“Looking at nature, it has a magic way of healing the human soul.”
– Jessica Akanzeriba