The International Project “Art for Peace” – 14th edition will be judging submissions from children and youth ages 4 through 16 on the subject: Art For Forests Of My Country. Judging takes place in November 2011.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, forests represent 31% of terrestrial coverage, serving as a shelter for 300 million people and also directly ensuring the survival of 1.6 billion humans and 80% of the planet’s biodiversity.

The predatory exploitation and disrespect of the natural life cycle of forests leads to the extinction of many species of wild fauna and flora and trigger serious consequences to human life because they are a source of drinking water and food.

Deforestation and forest degradation are responsible for 20% of greenhouse gases emitted, causing the worsening of climate change. This rate is higher than all global transport emissions.

In order to aware the entire world population about the vital importance of their forests, the United Nations declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests.

Teachers are asked to work with their students on a project supporting the preservation of forests and their importance in ensuring life on the planet. Students should express themselves through art and messages about conservation of their country’s forests. An educational component focused on environmental preservation, social responsibility, and peace should be part of the project.

The work may be sponsored and submitted by children and youth in a school, community organization, on behalf of a company (the children of employees), an academy, library, or individually. All works must be received by October 21, 2011.

Suggested topics that might be addressed include:

• Forests are a source of life, drinking water and food;
• The flora and fauna of the forests of your country;
• The large trees that cover the forests in your country;
• Destroyed forests causing loss of biodiversity, extinction of flora and fauna and the loss of water resources;
• The watersheds of forests. rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and caves;
• Forest people and their traditions. Their work in protecting natural resources for their survival;
• Essential raw materials found in the forests for the pharmaceutical industry;
• The worsening of climate change caused by forest degradation;
• Destruction of forests for cattle pasture. This is a major cause of greenhouse gases.
• Actions to prevent construction in areas where deforestation can cause erosion in the soil, leading to tragedies; or
• Every nation, through government and non-governmental organizations, must ensure that forests are managed for their country in a sustainable way for present and future generations.

Please see the attached rules in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.