Water is the lifeblood of our planet, but climate change threatens its availability and stability in ways we may often overlook. While Belize does not have glaciers, their rapid melting will impact our country. This year’s world water day competition allows students to explore how preserving glaciers can support groundwater restoration and reduce flooding both globally and in Belize. Your essay can inspire solutions that protect our communities and secure a sustainable water future for generations to come.

Theme: “Glacier Preservation: Groundwater Restoration and Flood Mitigation”

• • • The essay competition is open to ALL Belizean secondary & tertiary students.
    • Entries must be typed and clearly labelled with student’s name, age, class and school name.
    • Essay must be in English, no less than 1000 words in length.
    • The title of the essay must be included on top of the first page. (Not included in the text count)
    • Double-spaced, font-12, single-sided and numbered pages.
    • Essay must reflect the contestant’s own research, writing and original thinking.
    • Plagiarism will result in disqualification.
    • Essay MUST include proper citation of sources.
    • Each contestant must complete a student entry form. Teachers must verify and sign the verification of authenticity on the student entry form. (Download below)
    • Submitted essays become the property of the WWD Committee to use as it sees fit to its own discretion and will not be returned to the author. Appropriate citations will be given to the writer.
    • Deadline for submission is February 28, 2025. Late submissions WILL NOT be accepted.
    • Essays must be submitted via email to:

Hydrology Unit – National Hydrological Service

hydrology@naturalresources.gov.bz

Subject Line: World Water Day Essay Competition

• • • Document should me named as – WWD Essay Submission + ‘Student’s First & Last Name’.
    • ONE submission per student.
    • Winners will be announced on March 21, 2025, at the World Water Day Fair in Corozal at the Andres Campos Center, 4^th Avenue Corozal Town. Winners will be contacted prior to arrange attendance.
    • The decisions of the judges are FINAL.

JUDGING CRITERIA – Essays will be reviewed and judged based on the following:

Quality and Composition.

Originality and Creativity.

Appropriate use and clear understanding of the theme: “Glacier Preservation: Groundwater Restoration and Flood Mitigation.”

PRIZES – Two winners will be selected: one from a secondary institution and one from a tertiary institution.

Dell laptop and $500 cash prize will be awarded to the top essay submission from a secondary institution.

Dell laptop and $1000 cash prize will be awarded to the top essay submission from a tertiary institution.

Prizes must be claimed at the World Water Day Fair unless otherwise requested by recipient.

For more information, contact:

Hydrology Unit

(501) 880-0667

Or visit https://naturalresources.gov.bz