Young talent recognised in global photography competition

The winners have been announced of the children’s international biodiversity photo competition facilitated by Airbus as part of their support for The Green Wave. Eight winning photos were chosen from entries from children in countries across the world who took inspiration from surrounding nature for their unique shots. The contest, named “See the Bigger Picture”, encouraged young people to engage in nature and consider the global loss of biodiversity. It was launched in July through collaboration between Airbus, National Geographic and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Managed by National Geographic, the competition drew more than 2,500 entries from budding photographers in 99 countries. All entrants showed a common love of photography, a passion for their natural environment and concern for their future. Children of Airbus employees were also encouraged to enter and three prize winners were selected alongside five global winners. A further 20 young people received honourable mention for their impressive entries. The winning entrants and those awarded honourable mention came from Canada, Dominican Republic, Finland, France, Germany, India, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Spain, UK and USA.

The global panel of judges, who included world-renowned National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore, were impressed by the range of subjects that engaged the entrants. Photographs featuring animals, plants and landscapes, were submitted by photographers as young as 6 years old. The eight talented winners will receive a trip to Washington, DC in December 2009 where they will visit the headquarters of the National Geographic Society and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, visit other national monuments and receive coaching in photography from Joel Sartore. To view the winning entries visit www.seethebiggerpicture.org , or click here