The World Marine Mammal Protection Day or the World Whale Day is celebrated worldwide every year on February 19. Traditionally, thematic events are held in many countries to draw public attention to the issue of marine mammal protection.

For this purpose, the Public Organization Ýaş Tebigatçy ("Young Naturalist") in collaboration with the Children's Fund of Turkmenistan at the Central Council of the Magtymguly Youth Organization held a drawing competition on the theme "Marine Mammals through the Eyes of Children".

Approximately 200 diverse creative works from all velayats of the country were submitted for the competition. The artistic abilities of the children and their relevance to the competition theme were evaluated by the jury panel, including the Chairman of the Union of Artists of Turkmenistan Charymyrat Yazmyradov, UNICEF specialist Sabrina Guseynova, and representatives of public organizations.

At the end of the competition, all participants received certificates and commemorative prizes. The authors of the top ten drawings had the opportunity to go on an excursion to the Hazar State Nature Reserve.

"We are very pleased that the competition generated such great interest among children. We received many wonderful drawings that not only showcased the talent of young artists but also their deep concern for the conservation of marine mammals," noted Leyli Shykhmadova, Chairperson of the Public Organization "Young Naturalist".

The trip to the Caspian Sea coast, where a wide variety of marine flora and fauna is represented, provided young nature enthusiasts with a wealth of positive experiences and emotions.

The competition organizers expressed hope for the annual continuation of such events, contributing to increasing children's awareness of the importance of protecting marine mammals.