In 2016–2017, the Foundation declared environmental awareness as its campaign of the year — a matter of vital importance that concerns everyone. Within this context, a nationwide art competition was announced under the theme: “The Environment is in Our Hands”, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Young people between the ages of 15 and 20 were invited to participate with entries in Painting, Photography, Graffiti, and Short Films (3–5 minutes). The works from the competition were printed on panels and have been exhibited in various schools, municipalities, events, and festivals related to the environment. So far, exhibitions of the artworks have taken place during the Children and Environment Day event organized by the Municipality of Agios Athanasios, at the NGO Festival by the Youth Board of Cyprus at Akropolis Park, at the Limassol Environmental and Recycling Festival, and at Zakaki High School.

After the competition concluded, a tree-planting event was organized in the village of Pelendri, with the participation of children from AEL’s Academies, aiming to highlight the multifaceted role of trees in our lives.