Wild Wisdom: WWF Biodiversity Contest
Smurfit Westrock collaborated with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Colombia to hold its seventh annual Wild Wisdom biodiversity contest. Over 85,000 students from 181 municipalities across Colombia competed in regional rounds in November, and then finalists traveled to Medellín for the finals in December.
This year’s theme was: Colombia’s ecosystems and the impact of plastic on nature. In the final round, students had to answer 15 questions centered on the theme, and first place went to Joan Sebastián Lagos Molina, with second going to Matías López Mejía. Lagos, a bird enthusiast, represented the municipality of Facatativá (Cundinamarca), and Mejía represented Envigado (Antioquia).
“It was such an exciting experience to demonstrate my knowledge and learn new things about the biodiversity of our country. I didn’t expect to win this contest; I had some doubts and felt a little adrenaline because I didn’t think there would be only 15 questions. In the end, it worked out,” said Lagos.
Program coordinators hope Wild Wisdom leaves a lasting mark on all of the contest’s participants. They believe competitions like these are important because students learn to take ownership of their country’s biodiversity and the critical importance of protecting it.
“This knowledge opens doors not only for the participants but also for their families and communities. Knowing and understanding biodiversity is a competitive advantage for their future, giving them a unique perspective to lead industries and projects inside and outside the country,” said Ferney Díaz, coordinator of sustainable practices and consumption at WWF Colombia.
Juan Camilo Garrido, head of social development at Smurfit Westrock Colombia, highlighted, “The knowledge and passion demonstrated by these young people confirm that the future of Colombia’s biodiversity is in good hands.”
This year’s theme was: Colombia’s ecosystems and the impact of plastic on nature. In the final round, students had to answer 15 questions centered on the theme, and first place went to Joan Sebastián Lagos Molina, with second going to Matías López Mejía. Lagos, a bird enthusiast, represented the municipality of Facatativá (Cundinamarca), and Mejía represented Envigado (Antioquia).
“It was such an exciting experience to demonstrate my knowledge and learn new things about the biodiversity of our country. I didn’t expect to win this contest; I had some doubts and felt a little adrenaline because I didn’t think there would be only 15 questions. In the end, it worked out,” said Lagos.
Program coordinators hope Wild Wisdom leaves a lasting mark on all of the contest’s participants. They believe competitions like these are important because students learn to take ownership of their country’s biodiversity and the critical importance of protecting it.
“This knowledge opens doors not only for the participants but also for their families and communities. Knowing and understanding biodiversity is a competitive advantage for their future, giving them a unique perspective to lead industries and projects inside and outside the country,” said Ferney Díaz, coordinator of sustainable practices and consumption at WWF Colombia.
Juan Camilo Garrido, head of social development at Smurfit Westrock Colombia, highlighted, “The knowledge and passion demonstrated by these young people confirm that the future of Colombia’s biodiversity is in good hands.”