DoE challenges young artists to create poster

(CNS): The Department of Environment is encouraging young people to get artistic and join in the celebrations for the 25th Anniversary of the creation of the country’s marine parks. The DoE is holding a poster competition and students aged 16 years and younger are encouraged to express themselves and create a design that can be reproduced as a poster depicting the anniversary theme: ‘Marine Parks: Save Our Tomorrow – Today’. Recognizing that our marine resources were increasingly threatened, the Cayman Islands Government passed the Marine Parks Law in April 1986 – putting into place on all three islands a system of reserves which was hailed as cutting edge for its time.

Over the past 25 years there has been increasing international recognition of the ecological and economic importance of Marine Protected Areas.

“In the Cayman Islands, the success of our Marine Parks and our reputation for healthy reefs draws millions of visitors to support our economy. The Cayman Islands are home to priceless natural resources. Our coastal ecosystems (coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves) and abundant marine life are vital to our economy and quality of life,” said The DoE’s Senior Sustainable Development Officer, Joni Kirkconnell
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The importance of the Marine Parks has also been recognized by companies that have made generous donations towards the Poster Competition.

“We’ve been fortunate to have some really great prizes donated by local companies,” Kirkconnel added. “Contestants of the Poster Competition have the opportunity to win prizes from Cayman Airways, Yamaha/Automotive Art, Guy Harvey, Cathy Church Photography, Cayman Islands Helicopters, Atlantis Submarine, Harbour House Marina, and Cayman Sea Elements”.

Application forms for the competition can be downloaded from the DoE website at www.doe.ky or Mrs. Kirkconnell can send forms if requests are emailed to joni.kirkconnell@gov.ky. Entries will be displayed at the Marine Parks Open House Monday May 23rd at the George Town Public Library. The deadline for entries is May 20th. For additional information on the competition or other Anniversary events the public can contact Joni Kirkconnell at the Department of Environment.