A paper art competition invites members of the community to share what the ocean means to them.

Entrants can use paper or card to fold into a paper boat that can be decorated to convey what the ocean means to them.

The contest is being organised by environmental activist Noelle Young and sponsored by Greenpeace UK.

Selected creations are to be featured in a public art showcase at the Bermuda Society of Arts in City Hall and there will be special mentions and recognition for winning entries.

Ms Young, who is a Bermuda representative for Greenpeace UK, said: “The Drift Origami Competition and Showcase is a community art project that celebrates Bermuda’s connection to the ocean and our island’s cultural heritage.

“It invites people of all ages to fold and decorate paper boats, sharing their love for the sea through art and personal stories.

“The goal is to engage the community in expressing why the ocean matters to them beyond conservation.”

The theme of the show is “Messages to the Ocean”. Participants are encouraged to reflect on what memories they have of the ocean, how it makes them feel and what message they would send to the ocean if it could hear them.

Greenpeace UK brought the Arctic Sunrise vessel to Bermuda last year to remind residents of their role in helping to protect the world’s oceans. The group appealed to politicians and activists on the island to campaign for the Global Ocean Treaty, ratified in September, which paves the way for the creation of sanctuaries at sea.

Chris Thorne, ocean campaigner for Greenpeace International, said: “When we brought the Arctic Sunrise to Bermuda last spring, we saw first hand the deep, personal connection Bermudians have to the ocean and why protecting the Sargasso Sea isn’t just about safeguarding a unique ecosystem, it’s about protecting a way of life.

“Paper boats are a symbolic and playful way to express an important message. Having used them in our campaigning recently in the UK, we’re delighted to support this competition as we continue to push for new ocean sanctuaries. People’s connection to the sea is at the heart of our work, so we can’t wait to see the creations.”

It is hoped that the competition and showcase will engage the community, celebrate Bermuda’s relationship with the ocean through storytelling and creativity and preserve cultural heritage and local voices through a unique visual showcase.

Its purpose is also to provide an accessible artistic outlet for people of all ages.

All Bermuda residents are invited to enter including schoolchildren, seniors, local artists, clubs, NGOs, businesses and organisations.

Submission guidelines and categories are listed on Ms Young’s website.

Use of recycled materials is encouraged in keeping with the spirit of environmentalism. The creations may be designed to stand on a surface or hang from above, or be mounted on a base.

Support materials such as wood dowels, string or bases may be used to help stabilise or display the boats.

“Creative display methods will be appreciated,” Ms Young said.

Each entry should include a written message to the ocean, either visible or hidden, and can be accompanied by decoration.

Use of adhesives, epoxy, glues and stickers are permitted, and entries must include the entrant’s name, age, school or organisation.

Recycled plastics may be used but only for supportive or decorative purposes.

Submissions are now open and the deadline for entries is December 10.

The exhibition will run from December 19 to January 6.

Registration and additional information are available at www.noelleyoung.info

Ms Young can be contacted on young.noelle@icloud.com