Deadline: February 1, 2026
The IFAW World Wildlife Day International Youth Art Contest 2026 is now open, inviting young artists from around the world to use creativity as a powerful tool for environmental awareness and conservation. Organised by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in collaboration with CITES and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this global contest celebrates youth voices and artistic expression in support of wildlife and biodiversity.
The IFAW World Wildlife Day International Youth Art Contest 2026 aligns with the annual World Wildlife Day celebrations and provides an international platform for children and young people to showcase their talent while advocating for nature.
About the Art Contest
The World Wildlife Day International Youth Art Contest is an annual global initiative that encourages young people to explore environmental issues through visual art. Participants are invited to create original artworks that highlight the importance of wildlife, plants, and ecosystems, while promoting conservation, sustainability, and respect for nature.
Selected artworks will be showcased during the official World Wildlife Day celebration on 3 March 2026, giving winners and finalists global visibility and recognition.
2026 Theme
“Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.”
For the 2026 edition, participants are required to creatively illustrate the relationship between wildlife and plants, with a particular focus on medicinal and aromatic plants. The artwork should demonstrate how plants and animals interact and how biodiversity supports human health, cultural heritage, and sustainable livelihoods.
Important: Entries that do not include both wildlife and plants will not be eligible for final judging.
Who Can Apply?
The contest is open to:
- Young artists aged 4 to 18 years
- Participants from all countries worldwide
No prior experience or professional training is required. The contest welcomes children and young people of all backgrounds who are passionate about art and nature.
Accepted Art Mediums
All submissions must be:
- Hand-drawn or hand-created
- Produced using traditional art materials, such as:
- Crayons
- Coloured pencils
- Markers
- Paint (watercolour, acrylic, etc.)
Digital-only artwork is not accepted. However, completed artworks must be digitised for online submission.
How to Apply
Interested participants should follow these steps:
- Create an original artwork based on the 2026 theme, ensuring both wildlife and plants are clearly depicted.
- Digitise the artwork by scanning or photographing it in high resolution.
- Complete the online submission form and upload the artwork before the deadline.
Deadline
🗓 Application Deadline: 1 February 2026 (11:59 p.m. GMT)
Late submissions will not be considered, so early application is strongly encouraged.
Selection and Recognition
- Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges representing IFAW, CITES, UNDP, and conservation and art professionals.
- Shortlisted finalists and winners will be officially announced during World Wildlife Day on 3 March 2026.
- Winning artworks will receive international exposure and may be featured in global conservation campaigns and events.
Why Participate?
- Gain global recognition for your creativity
- Use art to contribute to wildlife and environmental conservation
- Be featured during an internationally recognised United Nations observance
- Inspire others to protect biodiversity and natural heritage
Need Support With Your Application?
We provide professional support services for:
- Proposal drafting
- Application refining
- Application review and quality assurance
📩 Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to strengthen your submission and improve your chances of success.
