Dyer Island Conservation Trust, in collaboration with the Overstrand Municipality, Western Cape Education Department (SAFE Schools), and CapeNature, proudly recognized young marine conservationists during the annual Marine Month Competition Winners Announcement.
On Saturday, December 2, finalists and winners, accompanied by proud teachers and parents, gathered at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary for the awards ceremony.
This year, Marine Dynamics’s Dyer Island Conservation Trust introduced four categories for Overstrand learners to participate in this prestigious competition. The enticing prize—a Marine Dynamics Marine Big 5 adventure—served as a significant incentive, resulting in over 400 entries this year.
Bargain Books, Whale Coast Mall, once again generously awarded winners and finalists. National Marine Month aims to raise awareness of South Africa’s marine and coastal environments, highlighting the vital role our oceans play in the nation.
This year, 3 local artist were ask to take on the difficult task as judges for the event; Blue de Gersigny (@plasticsareforever), Susan Van Zyl and Belinda Burchell.
The competition featured learners across three categories:
Category 1 (Age 5 to 8): Participants adorned a beautiful Marine Big 5 picture sent to their schools.
Category 2 (Age 9 to 12): Learners explored the theme “I see the sea and…” resulting in imaginative sketches, paintings, and artworks.
Category 3 (Age 13–18): Participants crafted a short story (200 words) following the theme, “Breathe in; breathe out, the ocean is life.”
Category 4: Groups of learners (up to 4) were tasked with creating artwork from recycled materials collected during a beach clean-up. The challenge was to depict an ocean-related issue, such as entanglement, oil pollution, plastic pollution, poaching, overfishing, global warming, melting ice caps, or sea animals in captivity.
Schools, teachers, learners, or homeschooling parents or groups are encouraged to contact the Dyer Island Conservation Trust to participate in the annual Marine Month Art Competition. Reach out to Pinkey Ngewu, Educational Manager of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, at office@dict.org.za.
Marine Month is observed every October, and plans for a grand event in 2024 are already underway to celebrate the crucial importance of protecting our oceans. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the 2024 edition!
