The Bigger Picture of Biodiversity

I hear a lot about the need to celebrate diversity, but there isn't much mention about the need for biodiversity, the variation between all living things on Earth. As our environment changes because of human action, more species are becoming endangered, which will limit biodiversity.

Airbus, an aircraft designer and manufacturer, and National Geographic, a nonprofit organization that tries to get people to care about the planet, want to get kids involved with biodiversity. That's why they're supporting The Green Wave, a global initiative to promote the importance of biodiversity to children. In addition, there's a photo contest called See the Bigger Picture, which is open to kids around the world.

Kids aged 6 to 14 in the United States and Canada can participate, while those in the rest of the world must be ages 6 to 16. According to the See the Bigger Picture website, you need to submit one color photo of something that you think "captures the spirit or idea of biodiversity."

The contest runs from June 5 to Sept. 8. The winners will be flown to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian to visit the National Geographic Society, meet with National Geographic photographer, Joel Sartore, who will provide photography tips, and attend an event that celebrates the contest winners.

More information is available at the See the Bigger Picture website.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user Dano.