The Columban Missionaries in Britain and Ireland have announced the launch of Biodiversity Matters, their seventh annual schools media competition.
Taking place during the first week of the Season of Creation, the launch comes at a time when Christian communities worldwide seek to engage with environmental issues.
The competition calls on students aged 13-18 to produce pieces of writing and images that demonstrate an understanding of the issue of biodiversity while highlighting people, communities and organisations trying to build a sustainable future.
There will be two separate competitions, one for British students and one for Irish students. First place winners will receive a cash prize of £500.
Judges include Ruth Gledhill from The Tablet, alongside journalists from other publications, including The Irish Times, Irish News, and Independent Catholic News. Eco-theologian Fr Sean McDonagh will also judge submissions, as well as other Catholic experts on environmental protection and education.
Columbans worldwide are concerned about the consequences of climate change and biodiversity decline on both humanity and the environment, recognising them as interconnected moral challenges requiring prophetic responses. Their inspiration for action stems from Pope Francis’ 2015 teaching document, Laudato Si'.
In the words of Pope Francis, “Because of us, thousands of species will no longer give glory to God by their very existence […] We have no such right.” (Laudato Si' #33).
James Trewby, the Columban justice and peace education worker in Britain, said, “I’m delighted that the Columban schools media competition this year focuses on the theme of biodiversity. In a world of increasing globalisation and environmental degradation, management of biological diversity is one of the most important and critical challenges facing humankind today.”
Winning submissions will be published in the Columbans’ Far East magazine, Vocation for Justice newsletter, Columban websites in Ireland and Britain, Columban social media and in other Catholic media outlets.
The competition welcomes entries until the closing date of 17 February 2024, with winners to be announced on 21 March 2024. For more information visit https://www.columbancompetition.com/.
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