The Young Hands Together for Diversity International Art Competition is part of a worldwide youth education initiative on biodiversity to provide children and young people with useful information and help them participate in protecting, preserving and improving biodiversity in their communities. The theme for the competition is “biodiversity” and what it means to young people around the world. For example, in their artwork, children and youth may explore the amazing variety of life on the planet, the richness of ecosystems, the reasons why biodiversity is being lost, or the things people are doing to protect biodiversity. The winning artwork may be used to make the activity badges and logos for the “Young Hands Together for Diversity” initiative. All submissions will be considered for use in “Young Hands Together for Diversity” posters, publications and T shirts and ‐ in other United Nations publications. The competition is open to children and young people between 6 to 20 years in three age categories: 6 10 years, 11 15 years and 16 20 years. The competition was ‐ ‐ ‐ launched on 28 January 2010 and closes on 15 June 2010. We invite young people around the world to submit their biodiversity artwork. Last year there were 1,400 entries from 46 countries around the world. The organizers of the competition are Bioversity International (BI), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). The competition is an activity of the Youth and United Nations Global Alliance (YUNGA) and The Green Wave for biodiversity. Contest rules Participants: Children and young people between 6 to 20 years are eligible to participate. There are three age categories: 6 10 years, 11 15 years and 16 20 years. ‐ ‐ ‐ Rules: 1. Artwork must be the original work of the entrant. 2. Artwork should reflect the theme “biodiversity” (e.g. the amazing variety of life on the planet, the richness of ecosystems, the reasons why biodiversity is being lost, the things people are doing to protect biodiversity). 3. Artwork should be done on white A4 size paper in the round or square ‐ template frames provided (page 6 and 7). The diameter of the round frame and the length of the square should be 18cm. 4. Any type of art materials may be used (e.g. pens, pencils, paints) except crayons. Computer graphics programmes are also allowed. Using bold colours is recommended. 5. Do not include a particular person, an organization or a brand name. 6. Use your imagination, most of all have FUN! :o) Submitting your artwork: Entries may be submitted electronically by email or physically by post. 1. Only one entry is permitted per young person. 2. Send your artwork to FAO via email or ordinary post. 3. Send in your entry before the deadline. All entries must be received by 15 June 2010. Via email: Send your entry to children youth@fao.org. ‐ Please note that if your submission is sent electronically you should keep the original work in a safe place as we may require the original if your artwork is selected. Via ordinary mail: Send your entry (preferably in a water proof envelope) to: ‐ Dr Reuben Sessa Young Hands Together for Diversity International Art Competition NRC Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Viale delle Terme di Caracalla 00153 Rome, Italy Moreinfo: http://www.fao.org/climatechange/youth/60638/en/