‘Witness’ painting depicts scene of deforestation urging nature conservation

10 / 03 / 2025

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A painting titled ‘Witness’, which depicts a scene of deforestation reflected in the eye of an owl, is meant to encourage nature conservation.

The painting has taken the top prize in the World Wildlife Day 2025 International Youth Art Contest.

The work of United States artist Keira Cheng was chosen from more than 3,400 entries covering 140 countries and sovereign areas, in a competition that highlighted exceptional talent and dedication to wildlife conservation.

This year marks the seventh annual contest hosted by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), in partnership with the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The theme for this year, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,” highlights the urgent need for innovative funding solutions to protect wildlife and their habitats for future generations.

Cheng, age 18, was recognized as the overall winner and for the 15-18 age bracket as part of this year’s official United Nations World Wildlife Day celebration in Geneva, Switzerland.

“Best in Age” winners were also recognized; including Saven Diniru, Age 6, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Ages 4-6, Levi, Age 7, Republic of South Africa, Ages 7-10, and Bethel Wendo, Age 14, Republic of Kenya, Ages 11-14.

This year’s finalists represent Thailand (two finalists), Australia, Sri Lanka, China, South Africa (two finalists), Bangladesh, Ghana, Kenya, the United States, and Kazakhstan. Their artworks celebrate a diverse array of species, including hippos, koalas, elephants, puffins, pangolins, rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, and birds.

Artworks from 12 semi-finalists were selected by a panel which included representatives from IFAW, CITES, UNDP, the Jackson Wild creative forum, and lifestyle brand, Munchkin. Guest judges included celebrated syndicated cartoonist Jim Toomey, and last year’s art contest winner, 5-year-old Isaac Lam from Hong Kong SAR People’s Republic of China. 

IFAW CEO & President Azzedine Downes said “Art has the immense power to both inspire and ignite change. In addition to displaying their incredible talent, this contest allows young people to showcase their unwavering commitment to a future where both wildlife and people thrive together. By investing in conservation, we are ultimately able to invest in communities and local economies, as well as in the very foundation of life on our shared planet.”

CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero said “We must ensure the survival of plant and animal species in the wild, for the good health and existence of our planet, our own good health and existence, and the livelihoods and food security for millions of people around the world. This contest reminds us that the next generation understands the importance of conserving nature—and that innovative solutions, including sustainable financing, are essential for lasting impact.”

Midori Paxton, Director of the Nature Hub, United Nations Development Program, “Protecting wildlife is an investment in a sustainable, livable future. These young artists have captured the beauty and urgency of conservation, and seen through the eyes of the next generation, their art also offers a powerful reminder that the lives, hopes and opportunities of children today depend on decisions that ensure both people and planet can flourish.”