World Wildlife Day International Youth Art Contest announces Yanjun Mao of China as 2022 winner

Washington, D.C. (March 3, 2022) – With a piece entitled “Return Home," 13-year-old Yanjun Mao from China has been selected from over 1,500 entries received from 58 different countries as the winner of the World Wildlife Day 2022 International Youth Art Contest. Under the theme of “Recovering Key Species for Ecosystem Restoration," this year marks the fourth annual contest held in conjunction with IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare), Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

In 2013, the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 3rd as World Wildlife Day, an annual celebration to raise awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora. Yanjun received official recognition as part of today’s virtual celebration. The award was introduced by renowned wildlife and conservation artist Sophie Green.

Drawing attention to endangered as well as critically endangered wildlife while highlighting the power of conservation efforts, this year’s theme and contest tap into the creativity of global youth artists, encouraging them to embrace their sense of stewardship through conservation while also raising awareness of the threats faced by so many of the world’s species today.

Through vibrant artworks that depict a stunning range of ecosystems and endangered wildlife from elephants to orangutans to polar bears, thirteen semi-finalists were selected by a panel of judges which included representatives from IFAW, CITES, and UNDP, and guest judges including celebrated syndicated cartoonist Jim Toomey, journalist and documentary filmmaker David Abel, Chief Brand Officer & Creative Director for Munchkin, Inc. Diana Barnes (db), and Jackson Wild Executive Director Lisa Samford.

“The talent displayed as well as the overall response from this year’s contest was extraordinary,” said Danielle Kessler, U.S. Director of IFAW. “Choosing one winner was no easy task for this year’s panel. Generating nearly three times the number of entries as in past years, the depictions of both flora and fauna created by such young artists not only exquisitely captures this year’s theme, but also vividly reflects their deep sense of connection to the natural world. It is an honor to continue hosting this global international contest that provides them with a platform for such expression.”

“I’m very pleased to congratulate our winner Yanjun,” said CITES Secretary-General, Ivonne Higuero, “and I would also like to recognize the talent and commitment of all our entrants. It is uplifting to see so many young people, from so many countries, engage with this year’s theme of “Recovering Key Species for Ecosystem Restoration." It is clear that our young people appreciate the conservation challenges we face but with their support, energy and passion, I’m sure we will reach our goals for this UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration.”

"UNDP would like to warmly congratulate Yanjun Mao,” said Midori Paxton, Head of Ecosystems and Biodiversity at the United Nations Development Programme. “His painting captures not just the interconnectedness between humans and our natural world, but how a young person might see their place in it—smaller and more surrounded by nature than our global societies seem to assume, and yet wanting to help, despite the enormity. In a year when the theme of World Wildlife Day is 'Recovering Key Species for Ecosystem Restoration,' it offers a beautiful, timely message.”

The winning artwork, “Return Home," as well as all the finalist’s entries, are currently viewable on the IFAW website.

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For more information and to arrange interviews, please contact:

IFAW: Abby Cohen (Rosen Group) at +1 973-224-0403 or abby@rosengrouppr.com

CITES: David Whitbourn at +41 79 477 0806 or david.whitbourn@un.org 

UNDP: Sangita Khadka at +1 212 906 5043 or sangita.khadka@undp.org

About IFAW

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is a global non-profit helping animals and people thrive together. We are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans, and in more than 40 countries around the world. We rescue, rehabilitate, and release animals, and we restore and protect their natural habitats. The problems we’re up against are urgent and complicated. To solve them, we match fresh thinking with bold action. We partner with local communities, governments, non-governmental organizations, and businesses. Together, we pioneer new and innovative ways to help all species flourish. See how at ifaw.org.

About CITES

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed in on 3 March 1973 and entered into force on 1 July 1975. With 183 Parties (182 countries + the European Union) it remains one of the world's most powerful tools for wildlife conservation through the regulation of international trade in over 36,000 species of wild animals and plants. CITES-listed species are used by people around the world in their daily lives for food health care, furniture, housing, tourist souvenirs, cosmetics or fashion. CITES seeks to ensure that international trade in such species is sustainable, legal and traceable and contributes to both the livelihoods of the communities that live closest to them and to national economies for a healthy planet and the prosperity of the people, in support to UN Sustainable Development Goals.

About UNDP

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in nearly 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

About the United Nations’ World Wildlife Day

On 20 December 2013, the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 3 March as World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora. The date is the day of the signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973. World Wildlife Day has quickly become the most prominent global annual event dedicated to wildlife. It is an opportunity to celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora and to raise awareness of the various challenges faced by these species. The day also reminds us of the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime, which has wide-ranging economic, environmental and social impacts.