Gia Kim might be young, but she knows she can make a difference.
“Don’t ever think you’re too small to make a difference. Your talent has the power to change the whole world. So, make people feel something, and make them see what the world is worth saving.”
Gia Kim, a 12-year-old student from Los Angeles, California, was the first-place winner (ages 11-14-year-old group) in the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation’s 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge. The theme of this year’s contest, Marine Keystone Species, had students submitting artwork highlighting the vital role of ocean keystone species in their marine ecosystems.
Gia’s winning piece “Melting Grounds” highlights the delicate balance of marine ecosystems, inviting viewers to reflect on pressing ecological problems like global warming and biomagnification. The keystone species featured in Gia’s artwork is krill, a small shrimp-like crustacean that plays a key role in the ocean food web. “The reason I decided to include krill in my piece is because they provide a food source for many marine animals, such as whales, which is also why they are known as a marine keystone species.”
By participating in the challenge, Gia learned more about the big role this small crustacean plays in balancing the food chain, while also learning how to push her artistic skills to the next level. Gia is also passionate about other environmental issues like ocean acidification and hopes to continue creating art to inspire others who can help make the planet a better place.
This #LoveNature story has been adapted to reflect the Q&A article published through the Living Oceans Foundations. Find the original article here.