The International

Childrens Painting
Competition
THE INTERNATIONAL CHILDRENS
PAINTING COMPETITION
Background
The International Childrens Painting Competition has
been organized every year since 1991 by UNEP and the
Foundation for Global Peace and Environment (FGPE).
Bayer and the Nikon Corporation joined as organizers
in 2005 and 2006 respectively.
The Competition has been one of UNEPs most
inspiring activities receiving submissions from millions
of children from 191 countries over the last 20 years.
The work has inspired people all over the world to
see the environment through the eyes of children. The
Competition encourages children to focus on particular
environmental issues and how these issues affect their
communities. Its goal is to increase environmental
awareness and action among children. The paintings
further articulate the hopes and fears of todays
children and portray actions by children to reverse the
environmental issues.
The Competition is open to children between the ages
of 6 and 14 to illustrate their own personal view of the
environment their wishes, hopes and fears.
My painting illustrated fish being washed up
on polluted seashore in the shape of the legs of
a human being. I tried to express how life in the
sea is affected by human beings who pollute and
destroy their natural environment.
I remember the competition very well. This is
because I went to the Makuhari Messe in Chiba
from Hiroshima, to attend the award ceremony. It
had a great impact on me, as a child, to receive
such a big prize.
Ever since I won the competition, I developed
a special interest in the variation of the natural
environment and I began to pay attention to
environmental news. I often took part in local
clean-up activities.
After I completed the Graduate School of Hiroshima
University, where I majored in medieval history,
I got married and now live in Okinawa. I am
currently a member of the local board of education
and I am involved in the excavation of a medieval
castle which is one of the World Heritage cultural
properties in Okinawa. Its location is amongst
an abundance of nature. I also enjoy going to the
seashore to watch life in the sea.
Noriko Harada, Japan
(Present name - Noriko Arime)
1
st
Prize Winner
3
rd
UNEP International Childrens
Painting Competition
A. Prakash, India
1
st
Prize Winner
5
th
UNEP International Childrens
Painting Competition
I won the First Prize of the International Childrens
Painting Competition in 1995. After a year or
two, I completed school and went on to receive a
Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Telugu University,
Hyderabad. Presently, I am doing my P.G. Course
in Design at the National Institute of Design, in
Ahmedabad.
Through the competition, children are able to
understand the importance of the environment
and the importance of keeping it clean, not only at
school, but also at home. The competition helps
children to demonstrate the importance of keeping
the environment clean to their family members.
As a result, there was a lot of change in their life
styles, particularly among the children living in
rural areas.
After leaving school and joining colleges and
universities, the children would take and follow the
habits they had learnt.
The awards, gifts, certificates which they received
from UNEP helped them a lot in advancing their
education and career and they are proud of them.
Even now, whenever some of them come to meet
me they refer to their past glory.
Antonova Antonina, Russia
1
st
Prize Winner
8
th
UNEP International Childrens
Painting Competition
At the time of the competition, I was 15 years old and in the 9
th
grade. Besides school, I attended the art
session at the centre of extracurricular activities in my city. My teacher Maria Bogacheva influenced me
and encouraged me to participate in different competitions and exhibitions. It was Maria Bogacheva who
informed me about the UNEP Competition.
I believe that my attitude towards Nature was formed by my parents who from my early childhood taught
me and my 4 sisters and brothers to treat nature carefully and respectfully. My family used to go out in the
nature almost every week-end and I remember that we were encouraged to properly dispose litter. I felt
that participating in the competition and the first prize increased the way I appreciated nature.
I am still very concerned about the dangerous condition of the environment in some regions in Russia
where environmental factors have influenced womens fertility negatively causing barrenness in some
cases - I am very happy being a mother of 3 children!
I would like to tell young people that they should be more careful with nature and start thinking of the
future generations today when its not too late.
V. Jangaiah, India
2
nd
Prize Winner
9
th
UNEP International Childrens Painting
Competition
I still remember the day in the year 2000 when I
received the First Prize (Gold Medal) in the 9th
International Child Art Contest, Organized by the
Foundation for Global Peace and Environment,
Japan.
Although I had received Second Prize from the
same organization in the year 1997 and many
other prizes in several national and international
painting competitions, this Gold Medal was life
changing for me.
The award came at a time when I was to choose
an area of specialization in my studies. This
prestigious award gave me popularity in my village
as a child artist and inspired me to specialize in
Fine Arts ultimately graduating with a distinction.
After completing my Bachelors, I enrolled for a
Masters Degree in Printmaking graduating with a
first class honours.
I have continued to paint on themes like nature,
effects of pollution on human beings and animals
besides working as an art teacher at the Sri
Swamy Narayan Gurukul, Hyderabad - a reputed
international school.
I would proudly say that the First Award which I
received from the Foundation for the Global Peace
and Environment as a child artist was the main
inspiration for me to take my career in the Field of
Art and become a Young Artists.
I attended art classes at the Rural Art Centre
Sanskrit at Hyderguda village in R.R. District,
India for about 8 years. During my study of
art at our centre, I participated in most of the
international childrens art competitions and
won a good number of awards.
The awards I won included a Gold Medal from
A. Sridhar, India
1
st
Prize Winner
10
th
UNEP International Childrens
Painting Competition
Egypt, best realistic representation prize at
Celje, Slovenia, Diploma of honour at the Graphic
Biennale, Torun Poland, and other prizes from
Skopjee, Macedonia, Hlohovec, Slovakia, and
Hungary.
I then went on to join the Telugu University
(Cultural University of our State) and received a
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. The Government of
India gave me a fellowship to pursue my higher
education. I did my Post Graduate Degree in Fine
arts. Presently, I am a freelance artist. The UNEP
Award was a great inspiration for my artistic
career.
Since winning the 1st Prize of the 10th UNEP International Childrens Painting
Competition, I have now obtained a Bachelors degree 2nd class honors in Painting,
Sculpture and Graphic Arts, from the Silpakorn University. I am now studying for
a masters degree at the Department of Visual Arts, Faculty of Painting Sculpture
and Graphic Arts, at the Silpakorn University
I continue to enter painting competitions after winning the prestigious UNEP
award namely:
2004 Award Painting Competition on Constitution Day;
Commendation Prize, Painting Competition on International Youth and Children
2005 Award 18th Art Contest on Safety in the workplace of Ministry of Labour.
Award on 29th Bua Luang Painting Competition;
Art Award (Live) morale in the Vesaka Day;
2nd Prize, HHK Intertrade Company Limited, Tang Hua Seng Department Store;
Award - Line art and Science Contest on Thai Orchid.
2006 Award 20th Art Contest on Safety in the workplace of Ministry of Labour;
2nd Prize Art Contest on Visaka Day - Rajamangala Institute of Technology,
Pohchang Branch.
2007 3rd Prize The Imagination to prevent the literary heritage of Thailand Project.
2008 Silver honors 25th Silapa Peerasir Young Artist Show;
2nd Prize UOB Thai Art Creator Project (Higher Education);
Scholarship from Chakkapan Posayakrit Foundation.
2009 Support Award 26th Silapa Peerasir Young Artist Show;
Show Award 31st of Bualaung Arts;
Art Award 21st TOSHIBA Art Contest;
Show Award 55th National Art Show.
2010 2nd Prize - UOB Thai Art Creator Project (Higher Education);
2nd Prize 32nd of Bualaung Arts Competition.
Theerawat Nuchcharoenpol, Thailand
1
st
Prize Winner
10
th
UNEP International Childrens Painting Competition
Ms. Jirattikarn Ooboom, Thailand
(Former name was Jintara Ngeabkrathok)
1
st
Prize Winner
11
th
UNEP International Childrens Painting Competition
I was in junior High School when I heard about
and participated in this competition. The reason
why I participated was that I wanted to express
my opinion and views on conservation and
environmental protection through art.
The competition made me realize the importance of
environmental conservation. I started with myself
by stopping destruction, protecting and rebuilding.
This included knowledge and awareness raising
among other students.
Through my painting, you will see mostly aquatic
species such as crabs and turtles collecting
garbage under the sea and on the beach. In the
middle, there is burning fire that shows the shift
to better conditions that can be created by clearing
out the polluted scene. I want to send the message
that we should collect garbage and conserve the
environment. By engaging in environmentally-
unfriendly behavior such as dumping garbage and
releasing pollution into the water we contaminate
the sea. This causes loss of habitat and the loss of
tourist attractions. I want to try and help increase
awareness for the public to see this important link
to save the sea and to maintain its natural beauty.
I believe that everyone loves seeing and feeling
the beauty of nature. Nobody would want to be in
deteriorating conditions. So, together, we can do it
before we have no chance left. We must start with
ourselves and we must start now.
Presently, I am an art teacher at Sarasas-Eaktra
School, Bangkok. I hold a Bachelor of Arts from the
Faculty of Painting, Sculpture and Graphic Arts,
Silpakorn University.
I have also held various art exhibitions from 2007
to 2010. I have exhibited, at the Workshop on
Landscape Painting, from Basic to Creative, Mural
Contemporary Exhibition; Exhibited at the 25th
Young Artist Exhibition; Exhibited at the Colours of
Beijing at Krung Thai Art Theatre
I was inspired to participate in the competition
from my observation that the environment
was increasingly being deteriorated through
deforestation, forest burning, garbage being
dumped in public water bodies, increasing poverty,
migration, species extinction due to overhunting
and climate change.
When our forests are destroyed, disasters increase
as this causes floods and landslides; when we
begin to produce a lot, the factories pollute the
environment more by releasing pollutants into
the air and dirty water into rivers leading to
contamination and loss of habitat.
All the above have inspired me to use art in order
to communicate my thinking and send a message
to people to conserve the environment. This
motivated me to join the competition.
The competition gave me a chance to express my
true feelings and thinking about the environment
thats being destroyed.
After winning, I plant more trees and flowers in the
rice field and garden, I practice garbage sorting
and communicate with friends on how to improve
our environment.
My painting tells of the impact of releasing
untreated water into rivers, releasing pollutants
onto the air both of which are issues that need
attention.
I would like to say that we should preserve our
beautiful environment. Everything has life just
like human beings. We should take good care and
protect our environment and preserve it for the
future generations.
Sompot Tongprathan, Thailand
1
st
Prize Winner
12
th
UNEP International Childrens Painting Competition
I was the 1st Prize winner of 13th Painting Competition
from Thailand. I heard about this competition through
my art teacher during the school break in 2004. The
theme was Conserving the Beauty of Seas, Skies and
Forests for the Future. I interpreted that as services
and values of the environment. I used my creativity
and imagination with information available in my
surroundings to master my painting theme. In my
painting, I showed the comparison between direct
and indirect values of environment.
I see the environment as life -including human beings,
animals, water and trees living dependently on earth.
Environmental conversation will bring balance and
peace thereby reducing conflicts.
After being awarded the prize, I realized that we
must start with ourselves. For example, we should
embrace energy saving behaviors. We should use
biodegradable products. We should try to encourage
friends and family to conserve the environment by
saving energy, planting trees and avoiding overfishing.
My hometown is in the North of Thailand. The
emerging issue is deforestation, which accelerates
global warming, the occurrence of droughts, heavy
rains and floods. If we conserve forests by reducing
deforestation and reforesting, we can live in harmony
with forests and animals with an abundant supply of
water.
If the environment is in good condition, we would also
have good quality of life, both physically and mentally.
It will create more positive energy to live, leading to
success at all levels: as a family, community and
country. As a youth, I would like to encourage everyone
to, little by little, join hands to protect our environment
so that we may live happily in harmony with animals
and forests.
I have continued to paint and also joined the Panasonic
Art Project and since last year, I am studying at the
Faculty of Painting Sculpture and Graphic Arts at
Silpakorn University.
Waranyoo Srisawang, Thailand
1
st
Prize Winner
13
th
International Childrens Painting Competition
I was a member of the school environmental
club when I heard of this competition and
decided to submit my entry. When I saw all the
desertification happening in Kenya, as a member
of the environmental club, I felt that Kenya needed
to be helped and that all the lush greenery in Kenya
should not be destroyed. I decided to use my artistic
talent and take part in the competition to pass on
the message to other children around the world
about my countrys struggle with desertification.
I hoped that through the minds of us children - the
future generation, a method would be established
to save the world from environmental problems
and restore the Earth to its original form.
I drew a picture illustrating the major causes of
environmental degradation. My painting illustrated
the causes of desertification on each leaf. These
are the cutting down of trees for firewood, charcoal
and building houses. This is not right as all these
activities destroy our mother Earth turning it into
a desert.
Winning the competition enabled me to travel
to Algeria where I met other young budding
Naylee Nimesh Nagda, Kenya
Regional Winner Africa
15
th
International Childrens Painting
Competition
environmentalists. It gave me a chance to share
and exchange ideas, information and methods
of preserving the environment and reversing
desertification.
After this trip, I was encouraged to take part in
various tree planting exercises in major forests of
my country. I was awarded the tree ambassador
badge by Total Eco Challenge for being the
youngest tree planter. I also took part in the TUNZA
Childrens Environmental Conference where I met
many participants from all over the world. I was
elected as a junior board representative for Africa.
This gave me a chance to help with the planning of
the next TUNZA conference in Stavanger, Norway.
I am now 15 years old and working on a project
that involves reusing plastic bags, cutting them
into strips and knitting them together to make
useful items such as table mats, toilet roll holders,
purses and bags.
I still see desertification as a major problem.
As a result of desertification in various parts of
Kenya, rains have failed and vegetation has dried
up leading to serious and severe food shortage
resulting in famine and drought. However, in recent
months, more people have opened their eyes and
have come to the realization that desertification is
a problem in Kenya and are now trying to stop it.
My main message to young people all around the
world is: Every small step counts as it leads on
to a bigger journey. I would also like to give them
hope that no matter how old you are or where
you are, you can always do something to save
your environment. Remember, it will be our world
tomorrow.
When I entered the 15th UNEP International
Childrens Painting Competition, I was 12 years old
and together with my family, was taking care of
the trees and the garden near my home because I
love living with nature. With great pleasure, I was
looking out through my window at the woodpecker
on the tree.
At night, I fell asleep to the enchanting song of
the crickets and I enjoyed the sparrows play. All
this made me happy and I couldnt allow it all to
be lost - my beautiful green world to turn into
desert. Therefore, I was incredibly glad to have the
opportunity to take part in a competition in which
I could express my opinion on this important
problem for people all around the world.
During my participation in the celebration of
the World Environment Day in Algeria, I realized
how many people give their attention, emotions,
efforts and work for the protection of our home
- the Earth. I was one tiny part of all these people
and felt significant. I understood how important
this cause was to everyone.
I am always fascinated by the beauty of nature and
am now an active advocate of natures protection.
I take part in different ecological initiatives
and express my opinion through paintings, essays
and photos. I spread the message of treasuring
the Earth. I now pay attention to recycling as a
an important way of protecting natural resources
from pollution and their reasonable use.
People were created to live in harmony with
nature. She is a source of fresh food, water, health,
warmth and light. The Earth gives us everything we
need. But today, people overconsume and pollute
the air, water, the earth and soil because we want
to make more and more money and possess as
many things as possible, destroying nature in the
process. However, even if we had all the money,
we couldnt buy oxygen to breathe, fresh food
to eat, medicine and eco-energy. Through our
unreasonable actions we dont realize that this
way we steal from the future and our children who
might never be able to see the beauty of nature!
The safety of Earth is in the hands of young people,
isnt it!?
Daniela Karaivanova, Bulgaria
Global Second Prize Winner
15
th
UNEP International Childrens Painting
Competition
Everyone must make their small contribution to
the protection of the environment - to consume
a reasonable amount, to recycle, to produce eco-
products, to use the energy of water, sun and wind
and to give and apply the good ideas. This way, the
balance will be recovered.
Presently, am studying English and German at
the English Language Medium School in Burgas.
I continue to draw and take part in different kinds
of competitions in my own country and abroad.
Some of them are connected with environmental
protection. Since 2006, I have won more than 60
awards in drawing contests. I am also one of the
beneficiaries of the Dimitar Berbatov Foundation.
With great pleasure, I continue drawing and hope
to be a professional painter in future. I now attend
special art courses where I draw still life. I love
experimenting with different techniques and
materials. My favourite is graphic techniques such
as dry point and drawing with ink. When I want
to express myself in colours, I use soft pastels,
oil and water colours. In the last year, I found the
magic of the digital graphic with my tablet.
Every day brings a new challenge to me which
helps me to improve my drawing style and skills.
Angus Lau Tsun Ming, China
Global First Prize Winner
15
th
UNEP International Childrens Painting
Competition
Arts Achievements (2006-2011)
2011 I participated in the China Central Academy of Fine Arts (Beijing, China) Best Performance ( Summer
School);
2010 I participated in the 11th International Meeting of Juvenile Art 2010 (Evora, Portugal ) and was among
the Best Collection;
I participated in the 28th Ministry Art Concourse Bitola 09 ( Bitola, Macedonia) and won a Diploma.
2009 I participated in the Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest 2008-09 ( Worldwide ) and Merit
Award;
I participated in the 31st International Fine Arts Competition for Children and Youth (Poland) Diploma.
2008 I participated in the Visa Olympics of the Imagination Drawing Competition (Worldwide) and was the
Global Winner;
I participated in the Visa Olympics of the Imagination Drawing Competition ( Hong Kong ) and won First
Prize;
My name is Angus Lau and I am 15 years old. I am studying in the
Australian International School in Hong Kong. I started to learn
to paint when I was 5. Painting is one of my favourite hobbies
and my passion to paint has never stopped. Some people like to
present their world through camera, but I found it is easier for
me to present what I saw, while travelling- I toured around the
world, and conveyed my message of environmental protection
through my paintings.
I have painted a series of paintings with the theme of environment,
love and peace. I realize that this is what the world needs now.
Maybe this is one of the reasons I won several International
Grand Prizes for painting in the past few years.
I participated in the Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest 2007-08 (Worldwide ) and won a Merit
Award;
I participated in the 4th International Childrens Art Exhibition ( Beijing, China) Special Gold Prize
2007 I participated in the Young Artiste Award ( Hong Kong ) Ten Best Young Artiste.
I participated in the United Nations International Childrens Art (Stamp Design) Competition by (UNEP )
and won a Certificate of Recognition;
I participated in the 6th Celebrate the Sea Festival Childrens Painting Competition
( Philippine ) and won a Diploma;
I participated in the 14th World Childrens Picture Contest ( Japan ) and won Bronze Prize;
I participated in the 14th Annual Kanaganawa Biennial World Childrens Art Exhibition
( Japan ) and won a Selected Prize.
2006 I participated in the 15th UNEP International Childrens Painting Competition and was the
Global Winner;
I participated in the Green Power Poster Contest (Junior Group) ( Worldwide ) and won First Place.
Others Art Activities
2011 I was invited by Lifeline Express Hong Kong to paint 3 paintings for auction; the proceeds of the auction
will be helping the Cataract victims in China in remote area;
I Participated in the The Small Montmartre of Bitola. This was seven days on-site painting in Bitola,
Macedonia. My aim is to meet young artists all over the world and learn different cultures of a country;
A painting of mine was made into a 2011 Calendar, theme for UN the International Year of Chemistry
2011. The aim was to raise the attention of how chemistry affects the Global Climate Change.
2010 I worked as an Art Ambassador for the Bring Art to the Community events in Hong Kong together
with four young painters from Russia to promote an appreciation of the arts and to encourage dialogue
between young artists from the other countries;
I participated in the campaign On the Road, Save the Earth in Hong Kong, which aimed at educating and
encouraging the public to act for the protection of our environment;
I participated in the 10th International Meeting of Juvenile Art in Evora, Portugal.
2008 I participated in the Paint for the 2008 Beijing Olympics event , to promote youth art in Hong Kong.
2007 I painted a painting aimed at environmental protection and this was submitted to the 2007 calendar for
charity in the Youth Heart to Save the World event in Hong Kong, to raise funds for the Environment
Protection Organization. I also participated in the Italy Art Gallery event, representing Hong Kong youth
artists to paint a Chinese painting to an Italian Artist.
Shyam Kousik, Qatar
West Asia
Regional First Prize Winner
15
th
UNEP International Childrens Painting
Competition
I completed my Higher Secondary Education in the
faculty of Science from TVS Matriculation Higher
Secondary School, Madurai, India. I am currently
studying for a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical
Engineering, in Thiagarajar College of Engineering,
Madurai, India. I passed and received a B Certificate in
National Cadet Corps (NCC) during this period.
I also participated in the 2007 World Migratory Birds
Drawing Competition and was nominated for the
finalists. My picture was posted in the September
2009 Calendar in the Migratory birds in a changing
climate seen through eyes of children published on
the World Migratory Bird Day website: http://www.
unep-aewa.org/news/news_elements/2007/wmbd_
drawing_competition_nominees2007.htm
Luka Licina, Serbia &
Montenegro Europe
Regional First Prize Winner
15
th
UNEP International Childrens Painting
Competition
I am now 15 years old and just started high school.
After the competition, I continued to paint and my
parents enrolled me in school for drawing and
painting. I participated in several local painting
competitions.
Now I am very interested in computers and
multimedia so I am trying to use my artistic talent
in this field.
Besides computers and painting, I use my free
time to help the elderly in our neighborhood.
When I entered the competition, I was in my final
year of Junior School. I had entered a number of
local art competitions and had been a runner up
for the Global Canvas art competition in London.
At school, we had been learning about the
environment and were clearing areas including a
disused concrete paddling pool to make way for a
wildlife pond and vegetable garden.
One Saturday, all my friends and some parents
helped clear a neglected area and that was fenced
off. Over the months at school, we watched it
transform into a beautiful garden that attracted
all forms of life and provided things to eat. It was a
combination of these events that motivated me to
enter the UNEP international painting competition.
The competition has continued to influence my
daily thinking and actions. I now care about my
surroundings more passionately. Seeing firsthand
the effects of climate change in the northern most
capital of Norway has made me realize just how
this, is not only going to affect my future life, but
that of my childrens children.
Climate Change is very real and we saw firsthand
that areas that would once have been covered
in snow and ice are now completely bare. Apart
from my personal reduction on impact on my
surroundings by use of public transport, recycling
waste and the reuse of materials, I have sought to
help the environment in more pro-active ways. Last
summer I was commissioned to paint a large oil
painting of a lion for a local shopping centre. I used
this opportunity to donate a percentage of the fees
to fund and equip two rangers in the Gujarat forest
to help protect the critically endangered Gir lions
within the Gir National Park.
This summer, the charity involved with this funding
has been given space in the shopping centre to
promote their good work and raise awareness of
the Asiatic Gir lion. This is truly heartening to know
that I have been able to bring the two, quite separate
organizations, together to help our environment.
The issues that my painting for the UNEP
competition focused on were the weathers effect
of high winds and tornados. The image depicts
the wind and how, symbolically, we cannot control
such events. We think we can control nature by
covering ourselves with an umbrella, yet this can
be torn from our grasp by forces more powerful
Charlotte Sullivan,
United Kingdom
First Prize Winner
16
th
UNEP International Childrens Painting
Competition
than ourselves. The figure in my painting maybe be
a politician, a government leader or just a humble
citizen, but if we do not all pull together and act
on climate change now we cannot even hope to
hold back the changes. We must all try to reduce
climate change or our weather is going to change
drastically and our world will be turned inside
out like the umbrella in my painting. I still see this
issue of the wind passing over the warmer seas
gathering more speed as a very real sign of climate
change.
Other activities am involved in include raising
money for charity, volunteering my time, taking
part and completing the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze
award this year. I am currently in my final year of
GCSE exams and secondary school before going on
to Sixth Form College in September 2012.
My message for young people would be to never
give up; we all must do our bit to reduce the impact
of climate change by not losing touch with our
environment and listen to what it tells us.
I have continued to draw and explore new
medium since my participation in the International
Childrens Painting Competition. I have also drawn
for other artistic competitions encouraging the
protection of the environment.
I am interested in science and mathematics and I
hope to, one day, combine my love for the aesthetic
with modern technology to help further awareness
concerning the preservation of Earths natural
resources.
Juliana Wu, United States of America
Regional Winner North America
16
th
UNEP International Childrens Painting Competition
During an art lesson at school, my teacher brought
up the Paint for the Planet competition thinking it
was a good initiative if, as a class, we all were to
submit our paintings, thus helping to do our part
for the environment. After planning it out for ages,
I finally came up with an idea I was happy with
and tried my best to put it to paper. It took many
attempts to get it right because the message I
wanted to put forward was a very specific - to give
a voice to the silent sufferers. Once I was happy
with my results I submitted it along with all my
classmates, little did I know it would be mine that
would be chosen to be awarded such a prestigious
prize.
After the competition, I became even more aware
of how the smallest changes in our lifestyles can
greatly benefit our earth. Another thing I learnt
is the value of information, and the need for
Andrew Bartolo, Malta
3
rd
Prize Winner
16
th
UNEP International Childrens Painting Competition
knowledge at schools and in homes. Spreading the
word of what changes need to be made to help our
environment is a big part of what I have done since
I returned. Teaching at my local scout group is the
first thing I did. On our Nature treks and annual
camping weeks, Id point out what was wrong with
the local environment and how it was mostly due
to the selfishness of those who came before.
After leading various clean ups, I then taught
them how to transfer what they had learnt to their
homes and insisted they tell all their friends what
they had learnt hoping the word would spread
and start a snowball effect. I then moved on to my
friends and my local school.
I noted that the age group was different to the
scouts and I had to alter my methods of showing
the damage done. Therefore, I used known (and
highly worrying) statistics about the changing
world, trying my best to tell them that they tried to
do their part to help me spread the word.
I still feel very strongly about using the fact that
I am able to use my voice and my art to do my
part to help those who are not able to. Given the
opportunity to take part in this competition, as
well as working with so many different people to
protect the environment, I feel I am living out this
need to help those in need.
I think it would be a waste of resources and good
fortune not to take the opportunity to help those
who are not as lucky as I was and are not able to
voice their concerns and their need for change in
order to save our planet. I only wish that all the
young people realize that saving our planet is not
a boring task reserved for politicians and top-
notch environmentalists, but its all about change
that starts at home and with a tiny bit of care and
dedication can spread out further throughout local
communities.
If everyone made even the slightest effort to turn
off lights, recycle, car pool etc, then lots of small
changes would amount to huge advancements in
the fight to combat climate change.
Once a week, I volunteer to teach Judo to children
aged between 5 and 10 years old. Even though it is
voluntary work, I love every moment of it because
week after week, I see my students improve, not
only at the martial art, but gaining confidence in
themselves and developing from boys and girls
into young men and women.
Having passed my A-levels with the appropriate
grades, I have now applied to the University
of Malta and have been accepted to study
Architecture. Although the course is quite long
(six years to graduate with a Masters Degree), I
am quite excited to begin it as there seems to be
an opening for specializing in architecture that is
environmentally friendly.
Hopefully, as a qualified architect I will be able to
do even more to preserve our local environment by
pushing for more green homes which, whilst not
compromising functionality, also stop contributing
towards global warming.
After winning the UNEP Painting Competition in
2008, I was invited by APM (one of the biggest
shopping malls in Hong Kong) to participate in a
modern art exhibition in November of the same
year where my painting of ex-Chairman of China,
Deng Xiao Ping, was displayed. The tarnished ring
around Chairman Dengs head aptly symbolises
the inevitable pollution that resulted from the
Industrial Revolution, albeit leading China to huge
economic success.
In 2010, I finished 4th in the International
Biodiversity Art Competition (16 to 20 age group).
The vital role that humans play in preserving
biodiversity is expressed by my clever use of the
human hand forming various animal figures.
In the same year, I was appointed by Noahs Ark
Hong Kong and Roadshow (one of the Media in
Hong Kong) to be an ambassador in charge of
promoting low-carbon lifestyle and creating art
pieces using waste materials.
This year, I was awarded a Diploma for the
International Art Contest for Children, Hear the
Innermost Words of Nature for my outstanding
piece of artwork.
My interest in environmental protection is not only
seen from my art, but also reflected in my many
other activities.
I took part in a Flash mob event held by Clean
the Air Hong Kong in June 2011, during which
Gloria Ip Tung, China
1
st
Prize Winner
17
th
UNEP International Childrens
Painting Competition
hundreds of participants were told to wear masks,
cough and pass out on the busy streets of Hong
Kong in order to raise awareness of the need to
stop the severe pollution.
Presently, I hope to study Environmental Design
at University, with the hope of making even more
concrete contributions to the environment and the
society.ety.
I always separated the garbage to recycle it and
avoided using plastic bags in the markets
I was motivated to enter the competition to
show the adults that it is possible to reverse the
environmental destruction if everyone did their
part, forming a big green wave.
For my painting, I researched in books, magazines
and the internet on ways to alleviate the
environmental problem without reducing the
social development. In particular, I focused on
environmental awareness, where everyone can,
and must do their part for the world not to be
destroyed by human actions.
Currently, I am enrolled in this fashion course
because I want to be a green fashion designer
that can make and promote eco-fashion. Your
environmental concern is presented through
your works. I hope to use sustainable fabrics
manufactured by companies. I am researching
biodegradable fabrics, dyeing with natural
products such as sugar beet coffee and all that can
help preserve the environment.
I continue to practice swimming. However my main
project is to complete the fashion design course.
Murilo Hideki Ashiguti,
Brazil Latin America &
the Caribbean,
Regional Winner
17
th
UNEP International Childrens Painting
Competition
Cindy Liu, United States of America
North American Regional
Winner
17
th
UNEP International Childrens Painting Competition
I was the North American winner in the 20th Annual International
Childrens Painting Competition. I continue participating in the
UNEP Childrens Painting Competition and other childrens art
competitions such as Doodle 4 Google and Peace Pals.
I have been involved in competitive math in the past year and I have
put most of my effort into it. I have participated in various contests,
such as Math Counts, American Mathematics Competition
(AMC), American Invitational Mathematics Exam (AIME) and The
Primary Mathematics World Contest (PMWC). I received a perfect
score in 2011 for the AMC 8 and qualified for the 2011 AIME. I was
the team member of the First Prize Winner team in North California
State. In 2010 summer at PMWC in Hong Kong, I achieved the first
honor with a perfect score.
I like writing, reading and photography. I was recently selected for
the Advisory Board of Creative Kids Magazine (2011-2013).
Maria Kassabian, Nigeria
Regional Winner, Africa
17
th
UNEP International Childrens Painting
Competition
Ever since I won the Competition Climate Change:
Action we can take now to reduce our negative
impact in 2008, I have been actively engaged in
promoting and participating in activities that help
the environment.
Before I left Abuja, Nigeria to come to Lebanon, my
friends and I organized a field trip to Mina Farm to
plant fruit trees for the local community, as there
has been a lot of cutting down of trees in that area.
At school, we recycled a bunch of cans and bottles
by using them to create paintings and murals
expressing the recycling symbol to encourage bio-
awareness.
During my stay in Lebanon, I participated in trips
such as the trip to an old farm in Arnaoun where
we planted trees. There, we demonstrated the
recycling of paper. We also donated money to the
Green Globe Organization in Brummana which
in return gave us plants and cedar trees to grow
in our school campus in an effort to Go Green.
A representative from the organization came to
speak about the dangers facing our environment.
Many students, including myself, bought a cedar
tree to take home as a Mothers Day gift to be
planted in our neighborhoods.
I was also a member of the recycling club at school.
Hundreds of plastic bottle caps were gathered by
all the students, and the Arcenciel NGO (Refugees
United), collected the caps. The aim of the club was
to reach a certain weight of bottle caps, minimizing
waste which badly affect our climate, that will earn
them wheel chairs for those in need.
The club then suggested possible ways to save
energy and stop global warming by reducing the
amount of carbon emissions and by making a joint
effort, we would make a big difference!
My hope is that as I grow older, my ability to help
the environment will have an impact in much
bigger ways.
Ludmila Balovneva, Russia
1
st
Prize Winner
18
th
UNEP International Childrens Painting
Competition
I was informed of the contest by the chairman of
the public organization The League of women
voters of Siberia Yurtaeva Larissa Mikhailovna.
The contest was very interesting for my curious
mind. The question that was offered to think
about was What can we do for our planet? My
answer was I can draw a picture and send it to the
contest! And I did it!
The theme of the picture was choice: Whether
you choose to live in a happy Earth or not. That
depends on everyone of us! Having won the
contest in Daejeon, South Korea, at the Tunza
international children and youth conference, I was
overwhelmed by the positive emotions and joy.
My victory has attracted a lot of attention to the
eenvironmntal problems.My friends and I have
taken part in many conferences and contests
devoted to the environment: Clean city for our
children; Jewel of the Siberia festival; international
festival Eco-art; picture exhibition in the Public
chamber of the Russian Federation and; Kyoto-
Copenhagen train (environmental engineers from
many countries made an ecological trip through
Russia under the UN environment protection).
My victory in the International Childrens Painting
Competition organized by UNEP was the most
exciting experience in my life and helped to form
my opinion on the problems affecting our planet.
Coco Tin Chi Ting, China
1
st
Prize Winner
19
th
UNEP International Childrens
Painting Competition
My name is CoCo Tin Chi Ting and I
was the winner for the 19th UNEP
International Childrens Painting
Competition. Just last year, I was invited
to join the UNEPs Tunza International
Children and Youth Conference on the
environment in Japan. Through the
conference, not only have I made many
new friends, but it has also inspired me
to be more aware of my surroundings
and the environment.
The UNEP International Childrens
Painting Competition has stimulated
environmental promotions in Hong
Kong in which I had taken part. The
Roadshow Company and the Noahs
Ark Company in Hong Kong joined
together and created an on-going
event called On the Road, Save the
Earth. This event led to other events
in various malls surrounding the Save
the Earth theme.
These events have led to the
opportunity to meet with the Secretary
of Hong Kongs Environmental
Protection Department, Mr. Edward
Yau Tang-wah.
During the C40 Hong Kong Workshop,
I had the chance to create an
environmentally friendly painting
made completely of newspaper and
the honour of presenting my artwork
to the Chair of C40, Mayor David Miller,
Mayor of Toronto.
Currently, I am enrolled in an
environmental management course
in school and am most certainly
enjoying it. The theme of the painting
competition was biodiversity and the
childrens conference emphasised the
vast beauty in nature. This has inspired
me to capture that beauty. During the
summer of 2011, I took a photography
course that specialized in shooting the
miraculous nature.
The painting competition has stressed
on the importance of protecting our
planet and truly opened my eyes. I hope
that through my artwork, the message
of protecting our home comes through.
Katherine Liu,
United States of America
2
nd
Prize Winner
19
th
UNEP International Childrens Painting
Competition

What motivated me to participate in the UNEP Childrens
Painting Competition for the Planet were two reasons. The
first reason was that I like to draw and wanted to test my
drawing with people from around the world. More importantly,
the second reason is because I saw that where I live, not a lot
of people really cared for the environment. A lot of people
still throw paper in trash cans. I wanted to express the
environmental crisis through my painting and also provide a
little bit of a solution. After winning the competition, I strive to
be even more eco- friendly. I see the environmental issue as
a precarious scale.
I am in the 8th grade in school and live in Saratoga, California,
USA. I have entered in the UNEP International Childrens
Painting Competition five times. The first three times, I got
5th place. The 4th time, I won the 2nd Global Prize. I travelled
to Japan to receive my award and attended the 10th
Conference of Parties of the UN Convention on Biodiversity,
where I also became the Junior Board representative for the
Region of North America. At school and at home, I actively
practice the 3 Rs: Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle. I am in my
schools environmental club and participate in community
projects with the Girl Scouts troop.