Other young people from around the world, including a boy from Hong Kong, were recognized for their art at the annual World Wildlife Day 2024 International Youth Art Competition on March 5.
This year marked the sixth edition of the festival organized through the International Fund for Animal Welfare, a conservation organization, in partnership with the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, and the United Nations Development Organization. Program. Center.
Isaac Alvin Lam, 4, from Hong Kong, won first prize in the classical art category, while Noh Sangeun, 18, from Singapore, took the top prize in the virtual art category for his work with cranes.
The two winners were identified at the official United Nations World Wildlife Day celebrations on March 3.
Mao Yanjun, a 15-year-old teenager from mainland China, was also chosen as the most productive age in the 15-18 category in this year’s competition. Mao was also the champion of the fourth World Wildlife Day International Youth Art Competition in 2022 for his paintings Return Home.
The winners were decided from a record number of more than 3,000 participants from 141 countries and regions.
Under this year’s theme “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation,” entries showcased species that take advantage of technologies such as camera traps and tracking devices.
“This has been an unprecedented year in terms of global submissions, and the art on display is extraordinary,” said Danielle Kessler, IFAW U. S. director, who congratulated all participants.
“Unfortunately, the world’s biodiversity is disappearing at an alarming rate, and the passionate contributions accumulated around the world are the long-term commitment of generations to wildlife conservation, which is precisely what the world needs. It is an honor to continue to organize this global festival that gives them a platform for such expression. “
CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero said: “It is heartening to see so many young people from so many countries recognising the price of partnerships and generation to conserve species at risk. “