The brief for 2021 - How can we protect biological diversity and stop the sixth mass extinction?

As we reach the end of the UN Decade on Biodiversity (2011-2020), despite encouraging actions being taken worldwide and some success stories, we have failed to meet many of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets set out by governments in the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 in Nagoya, Japan in October 2010.

We are still placing huge pressure on biodiversity and seeing continued global biodiversity loss as a result. In a period many scientists are calling the sixth mass extinction, we invited students to share their ideas on what can be done to turn this around, conserve and increase biodiversity and achieve the UN’s 2050 vision of Living in Harmony with Nature.

Students were free to approach the topic however they wished.

Whatever they decided, children were strongly encouraged to include their own personal views, perspectives and experiences to help bring their visions alive.

Each student was invited to submit one essay in English, entitled,

How can we protect biological diversity and stop the sixth mass extinction?

The essay length varies by age as follows:

Primary students (ages 7-11): 400 words

Secondary students (ages 11-17): 600 words