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EXPLOREUM & AIRBUS LAUNCH “SEE THE BIGGER PICTURE”
PHOTO CONTEST TO HIGHLIGHT LOCAL BIODIVERSITY
“See the Bigger Picture” international exhibit to visit Mobile in September

Mobile, Ala. (May 18, 2010) – To mark the International Day of Biodiversity this Saturday, May 22, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center and Airbus today announced a “See the Bigger Picture” photo competition, where 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.

Created by Airbus and the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the international “See the Bigger Picture” exhibition, will be in Mobile from Sept. 25 through Nov. 21 in conjunction with the “Reptile Planet” and “Sea Lion Splash” exhibitions.

“Airbus is committed to the Gulf Coast community as this is one of our many homes around the world,” said David Trent, Site Director of Mobile’s own Airbus Engineering Center. “We had planned to launch this local competition, which supports education and celebrates the beauty of the region, before the oil leak started. Now, it’s more important than ever to draw attention to the stunning variety and importance of nature in this area and to encourage everyone to get involved in preserving it.

“Getting the next generation focused on green issues is imperative for us all. As a company, Airbus is committed to reducing the two percent aviation contributes to manmade emissions, using technology increase aircraft efficiency, reduce fuel burn and noise, and develop alternative energy. We are also committed to helping those tackling the other 98 percent, which is why we support the CBD’s Green Wave initiative through initiatives like this competition. The natural world has always been, and continues to be, a source of inspiration to engineers in creating eco-efficient aircraft, and this legacy must be preserved.”

Picture examples include a favorite tree or a plant; an animal or an insect; or even an entire ecosystem (from a backyard to the local creek) - images should explain why biodiversity is important and something that needs to be preserved. Entries must be submitted as an 8” X 10” horizontal or vertical digital picture at 300 dpi that is uploaded at Exploreum.com. All submissions must include a completed entry form which is also available at Exploreum.com. Per competition rules, only one entry per person is allowed and the child must be the photographer. Pictures may be submitted until Aug. 22, 2010. Calagaz Photo is a local participating sponsor for the photo contest.

The images on display in the “See the Bigger Picture” exhibition are the winners and honorable mentions from a worldwide photography competition, launched in 2009 by Airbus in partnership with National Geographic and the CBD. Young people from 99 countries around the world submitted their interpretations of biodiversity. The exhibit has visited cities worldwide including Paris, Madrid, Hamburg, London, New York and Whistler (during the Winter Olympics), as part of its tour in 2010 to celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity. The exhibition will be displayed in the Exploreum’s courtyard.

The Exploreum is hosting its “Reptile Planet” traveling exhibit from July 5 - Oct. 24 as part of its summer programming emphasis on exploration and biodiversity. “Sea Lion Splash,” which will feature rescued sea lions, will take place Nov. 10 - 21. For more information about the Exploreum, including operating hours, admission prices and official contest rules, visit Exploreum.com.

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About the Exploreum:
The Gulf Coast Exploreum is a not-for-profit science center that promotes science learning through a variety of inquiry-based educational and entertaining activities, including exhibits, IMAX films, demonstrations, workshops and teacher professional development. Located in downtown Mobile, Exploreum visitors can experience more than 150 hands-on science adventures in four galleries: Minds On Hall, Hands On Hall, the Wharf of Wonder and the all-new My BodyWorks, the most advanced health exhibit in the nation. Guests can also enjoy live demonstrations in the Ciba Lab and BioLab daily and see a film in the J.L. Bedsole IMAX Dome Theater. Voted Mobile’s #1 Family Attraction, the Exploreum is the only science technology center serving south Alabama, south Mississippi and northwest Florida.