A shared commitment to conservation
As integral partners in conservation, Esri and the National Geographic Society support efforts that illuminate our ocean’s most pressing problems and inspire action.
2021 ArcGIS StoryMaps Challenge
For Restoring Our Ocean
The challenge is now closed. Browse the 2021 Winners Gallery.
Challenge announcement
Esri and the National Geographic Society are pleased to announce the 2021 ArcGIS StoryMaps Challenge for Restoring Our Ocean.
Join storytellers worldwide in the ArcGIS StoryMaps Ocean Challenge
A story can effect change, influence opinion, and create awareness. Use ArcGIS StoryMaps to integrate maps, data, and multimedia content with text to tell a narrative about the world's greatest challenges and inspire solutions.
Esri and the National Geographic Society challenge high school and college students and individuals ages18-24 to create impactful stories about ocean health.
You might create an original story that:
- Highlights changemakers in ocean conservation.
- Addresses global warming, pollution, habitat protection, over-harvesting or poaching, local waterway management, or effects on water quality.
- Creates unique visualizations of threats to the ocean.
- Amplifies the seven Ocean Literacy principles.
- Addresses United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: To conserve and sustainably use the ocean, seas, and marine resources.
Find inspiration, data, maps, and resources on Learn ArcGIS.
Photo by Manu San Felix, National Geographic
- Key Dates
- Prizes
- Requirements
- Judging Criteria
- Terms and Conditions
Key dates and submission deadlines
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
- October 22, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. (PT)
WINNERS ANNOUNCED
- December 2021
Three winners will be announced for each track.
Recognition
All winners will:
- Receive a 2021 Esri Storyteller of the Year certificate.
- Be featured on the Esri website.
The first and second-place winners also will be featured in educational materials for other students.
The first-place winners will have the opportunity to participate in a networking meet-and-greet with a National Geographic Young Explorer.
Requirements
The 2021 ArcGIS StoryMaps Challenge invites story submissions globally through two tracks.
Track 1 is for pre-collegiate students ages 14-18. For this track only, entries must be submitted by a school or club leader as the applicant and proxy.
Track 2 is for students 18 years and older enrolled in higher education institutions or eligible people 18-24 years old.
An applicant—one person or one group—may enter this challenge once.
Explore the official terms and conditions to learn more about submissions.
Judging Criteria
Esri’s StoryMaps team will select 10 finalists for each track. Guest judges will select first, second, and third-place winners from each track’s finalists.
Entries must be new and original. Projects may use data from outside persons or institutions, within guidelines of "fair use."
Judges will evaluate each story based on:
- Overall design, impact, and originality.
- Effective use of GIS and ArcGIS StoryMaps.
- Effective communication about ocean restoration, protection, or conservation.
Terms and conditions
By entering, you agree to the terms and conditions.
Meet our guest judges
-
Dawn Wright
Esri Chief Scientist
Dawn Wright aids in strengthening the scientific foundation for Esri software and services and represents Esri to the scientific community.More on Dawn Wright -
Alex Tait
The Geographer at National Geographic Society
Alex Tait leads geopolitical and cartographic direction for the National Geographic Society.More on Alex Tait -
Sandra Turner
National Geographic Certified Educator
Sandra Turner is a global climate change education leader who teaches aquaculture, climate science, and ocean literacy.More on Sandra Turner -
Charlie Fitzpatrick
Esri K-12 Education Manager
Charlie Fitzpatrick has been a K-12 education industry manager for Esri since 1992 and taught grade 7-12 social studies from 1977 to 1992.More on Charlie Fitzpatrick -
Shelby O’Neil
National Geographic Young Explorer
Shelby O'Neil is a National Geographic Young Explorer. She is also the founder of the Jr. Ocean Guardians and the No Straw November challenge.More on Shelby O’Neil
Resources
Tips and tricks to get you started with ArcGIS StoryMaps