Local artists and photography enthusiasts can vie for a chance to qualify for the Asia Pacific Ozone2Climate Art Contest.
The Asia Pacific Ozone2Climate Art Contest for Fiji was launched yesterday by the Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Dr. Mahendra Reddy as part of World Ozone Day celebrations.
“I now have the pleasure to officially launch the Asia Pacific Regional Art Contest for Fiji. To spread the message about combating climate change in a good way, I encourage you all to join hands in fighting climate change with an attitude of safeguarding the ozone layer for us and our future generations.
“The Asia Pacific Regional Ozone2Climate Art Contest is being launched with the support of UNEP in consultation with the UNESCO Bangkok Office to raise public awareness on the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment,” he said.
“The Art Contest is initiated to promote linkages of the ozone layer and climate change protection as well as achievements. It is intended to also mobilise public support on the complete phase-out of ozone depleting substances and the phase-down of greenhouse gases such as HFCs,” added Hon. Reddy.
The contest is in two phases. The first phase will be the Asia Pacific Ozone2Climate Art Contest at the national level. The national winners will then enter the regional contest, which will be the second phase of the contest.
The Artwork Contest is split into 3 categories- the Photography Contest, Drawing and Graphic Design Contest.
“The artwork contest is open to the public and I encourage our children and youths to participate. The contest is an opportunity for all art lovers to utilise their artistic and creative talents and enhance their knowledge of ozone and climate.
“You may ask, why an Art Contest? Well, that is simple. Art speaks to the mind and soul of all people, it conveys a message that words can hardly describe and I invite Art lovers and practitioners to deliver their Earth healing message through their artwork.”
For more information on the Asia Pacific Ozone2Climate Art Contest for Fiji, call the Department of Environment on 3311699.