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Science Without Borders Challenge 2022: Ridge to Reef

The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is excited to announce the 10th Annual Science Without Borders® Challenge. This international art contest was created to get students and teachers interested in ocean conservation through various forms of art.

The theme for 2022 is: “Ridge to Reef“.

The Science Without Borders Challenge is an international art contest open to primary and secondary school students 11-19 years old, with scholarships of up to $500 awarded to the winning entries.

More details about the theme for 2022 are available on the official website.

Throughout the world, coral reefs are rapidly declining due to natural and human disturbances. Some of the biggest threats to coral reefs are climate change, ocean acidification, overfishing, destructive fishing practices, coastal development, and pollution. Scientists estimate that we have already lost more than half of the world’s coral reefs, and we could lose the rest by the end of the century.

What can we do to ensure the survival of coral reefs? Through strong conservation measures and effective management of coral reef resources, people can alleviate some of the threats that reefs face. There are many different types of conservationists that work on preserving coral reefs including governments, non-profits, park managers, and indigenous communities. Some conservationists take what is called a “ridge to reef” management approach. Everything is interconnected from the land to the sea. They study not only the coral reefs and their adjoining ecosystems (mangroves and seagrass beds), but they study terrestrial ecosystems too, and how water flows from the land into the sea. Coral reefs need clean, clear, water to thrive, so any extra sediment, fertilizers, or pollution running off the land into the sea can damage nearby coral reefs. Conservationists also must research the human activities that take place on land, the coastline, and the ocean to understand how they may impact these environments from “ridge to reef.”

This annual contest inspires students to be creative while learning about important ocean conservation issues. It was created to get students and teachers interested in ocean conservation through various forms of art.

Winners of the Science without Borders Challenge will be publicly announced.

Prizes awarded to contestant winners are as follows:

  • 1st Place: $500 scholarship
  • 2nd Place: $350 scholarship
  • 3rd Place: $200 scholarship

Submitted entries will be evaluated on the quality of the artwork, originality, and adherence to the theme.