In 2009, Airbus, National Geographic and the Secretariat for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) hosted an international photo competition where youth submitted photographs representing biodiversity.

The images on display in the "See the Bigger Picture" traveling exhibition are the winners and honorable mentions from the worldwide photography competition.

Young people from 99 countries around the world submitted their interpretations of biodiversity. The exhibit has visited cities worldwide including Paris, Madrid, Hamburg, New York and Whistler (during the Winter Olympics).

In honor of the exhibition coming to Mobile, Airbus, the Exploreum and Calagaz Photo are partnering together to host a local version of the "See the Bigger Picture" photo contest.

For the local contest, children ages 6 - 14 are encouraged to submit a photograph representing biodiversity from the Gulf Coast.

Three finalists will win a digital camera package and have their artwork displayed at the Exploreum during the showing of the international "See the Bigger Picture" traveling exhibit. One grand prize winner will receive a $500 travel voucher.

Please read below to learn more about the contest.

How to Enter

Submit an image that you think captures the spirit/idea of biodiversity (the diversity of living things). It could be your favorite tree or a plant, an animal or an insect, even a whole ecosystem (from your own back yard to somewhere you've visited on vacation) - your image should show people why biodiversity is a good thing which we should try to preserve. Only one entry per person.

Photo Contest Dates

The photo contest opens to the public on May 18, 2010. All entries must be submitted by August 22, 2010.

Who Can Enter

Children ages 6 - 14 may participate. Each entry must be solely the work of the child. The submission must be an original photograph taken by and the property of each entrant or available for public domain (i.e. a public park).

Prizes / Judging

A panel of judges will evaluate your submission based on:

1) creativity,

2) the quality of photograph

3) the effectiveness to which the photograph represents biodiversity.

Three finalists will receive a digital camera package, and one finalist will be selected as the grand prize winner and receive a $500 travel voucher.

The finalists will be invited to the unveiling ceremony of the "See the Bigger Picture" International exhibition at the Exploreum. Any travel expenses related to the unveiling ceremony are the responsibility of the applicant.

Submit Your Entry

Fill out the form below to begin your entry submission. After you have submitted your information, you will be directed to another page where you will upload your photo entry. The digital image must be 300 dpi and 8" X 10" vertical or horizontal in size.

Please Note: You MUST save the image as the FirstName_LastName of applicant and complete the application form in its entirety.

Read official contest rules