Earth Day competition 2009 Sounds a Global Warning

The Natural History Museum of Jamaica (NHMJ) formerly the Natural History Division of the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ) will this year honour the work of several students at the 10th staging of its annual Earth Day Essay, Poster and Photography competition awards ceremony at the IOJ Lecture Hall on April 22, 2009.
The competition, which is this year themed Global Warning, serves as a medium for exposing students and school communities to environmental awareness issues.
Since 1990, the Institute of Jamaica through the NHMJ has been involved in various activities to highlight “Earth Day,” which is celebrated worldwide on April 22. These activities have included exhibitions, concerts and sticker campaigns.
The competition consists of three categories-Essay, Poster and Photography components. The photography component was first introduced in 2007.
Eighteen schools participated in this year’s competition with approximately 70 entries; 17 essay entries, 35 poster entries on the theme “Global Warning: Natural Disasters Ahead” and 12 photography entries depicting the theme “Global Warning: Hell and High Water.” The entries are judged based on several criteria, chief among them being originality, interpretation of theme and presentation of content.
The competition is open to secondary school students from grades 7-11. Schools wishing to enter this competition may contact the Natural History Museum of Jamaica at the Institute of Jamaica.
The observation of Earth Day was initiated by Harvard Law student Dennis Hayes and Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970. It has since gathered momentum taking on a global perspective.
This year’s competition was sponsored by the Jamaica Public Service, CARIMAC, LIME, Pesticides Control Authority, Chukka Caribbean Adventures, Kingston Bookshop, Carlong Publishers, Hyltons Trophies and Awards, Grace Kennedy and Company Limited and Coconut Industry Board.