Deadline: 01-Feb-2026
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is hosting the 2026 World Wildlife Day International Youth Art Contest for young artists aged 4–18. This year’s theme, “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods,” encourages participants to showcase wildlife alongside plants, highlighting their role in ecosystems. Winning artworks will be showcased at the World Wildlife Day event on March 3, 2026, promoting global awareness of plant and wildlife conservation.
Overview
The IFAW World Wildlife Day (WWD) International Youth Art Contest celebrates young creativity while raising awareness about wildlife conservation. The 2026 theme focuses on medicinal and aromatic plants, highlighting the critical link between plants, animals, and human health and livelihoods. Participants are encouraged to depict wildlife in conjunction with plants to reflect this ecological interdependence.
Program Objectives
-
Promote awareness of wildlife conservation among young people
-
Encourage artistic expression connecting wildlife and medicinal or aromatic plants
-
Highlight the ecological and cultural importance of plant biodiversity
-
Support global engagement with World Wildlife Day and CITES conservation priorities
Who Is Eligible?
-
Young artists aged 4 to 18 years
-
Open to participants from all countries worldwide
-
Artwork must incorporate both wildlife and plants in the image to be eligible for final judging
Contest Guidelines
-
Medium: Crayons, markers, coloured pencils, or paint
-
Submission: Electronically via the official IFAW website
-
Deadline: February 1, 2026
-
Theme: “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods”
-
Entries that do not include plants alongside wildlife will not be considered for final judging
How to Apply / Submit Artwork
-
Create an original artwork that features wildlife and medicinal/aromatic plants
-
Ensure the artwork aligns with the 2026 WWD theme
-
Digitize the artwork if necessary (high-resolution image recommended)
-
Submit the artwork electronically through the official IFAW contest page before February 1, 2026
-
Include participant information such as age, country, and contact details
Judging Criteria
-
Creativity and originality
-
Relevance to the 2026 WWD theme
-
Artistic quality and use of medium
-
Effective communication of the relationship between wildlife and plants
Awards and Recognition
-
Finalists and winners will have their artworks showcased at the official World Wildlife Day event on March 3, 2026
-
Recognition provides a global platform to promote conservation awareness
-
Opportunities to engage with international audiences and conservation initiatives
Tips for Participants
-
Focus on depicting the interaction between animals and plants to meet the theme criteria
-
Use vivid colours and clear compositions to enhance visual impact
-
Include educational or storytelling elements to convey the ecological role of plants
-
Follow submission guidelines carefully to ensure eligibility
FAQ
1. Who can participate in the contest?
Young artists aged 4–18 from any country worldwide.
2. What type of artworks are eligible?
Traditional mediums such as crayons, markers, coloured pencils, or paint featuring wildlife and plants.
3. Can digital artwork be submitted?
No, submissions must be traditional artwork digitized for electronic submission; purely digital art is not specified as eligible.
4. What is the submission deadline?
February 1, 2026.
5. How will winners be recognized?
Finalists and winning entries will be showcased at the World Wildlife Day 2026 event on March 3, 2026.
6. Are there any restrictions on the content of the artwork?
All artworks must feature both wildlife and plants; entries without plants will not be considered.
7. Can I submit more than one entry?
Guidelines do not explicitly limit submissions, but ensure each entry meets theme and format requirements.
Conclusion
The WWD 2026 International Youth Art Contest provides young artists a global platform to raise awareness about the critical role of medicinal and aromatic plants in wildlife conservation. By participating, youth contribute to environmental education, celebrate biodiversity, and engage with international conservation efforts. This initiative empowers creative expression while fostering a deeper understanding of the ecological connections between plants, animals, and human wellbeing.
For more information, visit IFAW.