MoECC launches illustrated ozone protection story competition for children

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has launched an environmental awareness competition inviting children to write and illustrate an original short story about protecting the ozone layer.

Organised in collaboration with Qatar Reads, an initiative under Qatar National Library, the competition is open to children between the ages of 10 and 14. Entries may be submitted individually or by teams of up to three participants.

Competition combines storytelling and environmental awareness

The competition aims to help younger generations understand the importance of protecting the ozone layer, addressing climate challenges and adopting positive environmental behaviours.

Children are encouraged to communicate these messages through creative storytelling and original illustrations.

The initiative reflects Qatar’s commitment to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. It also aligns with the 2026 World Ozone Day theme, “Global Action for a Cooler Planet.”

Entry requirements

Each submission must be an illustrated short story containing between four and eight pages.

Stories must:

• Be written entirely in Arabic
• Be original work created by the participating children
• Include illustrations or explanatory images
• Not have been entered into or won another competition
• Be produced without the use of artificial intelligence tools

Illustrations may be created by hand or with graphic-design software. Participants must include their name, age, telephone number and email address with their submission.

Suggested environmental themes

Stories should address topics connected to ozone protection and wider environmental responsibility.

Suggested themes include the role of the Montreal Protocol in protecting the ozone layer, the importance of the ozone layer to life on Earth and the responsibility of individuals and communities to protect the environment.

Children may also explore practical solutions and everyday habits that support environmental sustainability.

How entries will be judged

A specialised panel will evaluate the submitted stories according to artistic, educational and technical criteria.

Judges will consider creativity, originality, connection to ozone protection, clarity of the environmental message, storytelling quality, language, illustrations and compliance with the competition rules.

Cash prizes for the top three entries

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has announced cash prizes for the three highest-ranking submissions:

First place: QAR 4,000, plus the printing and publication of the winning story

Second place: QAR 3,000

Third place: QAR 2,000

All children who submit eligible entries will receive participation certificates, while the winners will also receive certificates of recognition.

Winners to be honoured on World Ozone Day

The winners and other outstanding participants will be recognised during an official ceremony held in conjunction with World Ozone Day on September 16.

World Ozone Day is observed annually to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the ozone layer and highlight international efforts under the Montreal Protocol.

How to enter the competition

Completed stories must be emailed directly to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change at:

CHWD@mecc.gov.qa

The submission must include the participant’s name, age and contact details.

Submission deadline: September 1, 2026

Eligible ages: 10–14

Entry format: Individual or team of up to three children

Language: Arabic

Story length: Four to eight illustrated pages 

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