MOBILE, Ala. — Got biodiversity? If so, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center and Airbus want to see it.

Celebrating the International Day of Biodiversity May 22, the two entities have 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 Airbus Engineering Center. “We’re thrilled to host this local competition that supports education and celebrates the beauty of the region. Getting the next generation focused on green issues is imperative for us all.”

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-by-10-inch horizontal or vertical digital picture at 300 dpi that is uploaded at www.exploreum.com or www.calagaz.com.

All submissions must include a completed entry form, which is also available online.

Per competition rules, only one entry per person is allowed and the child must be the photographer. Pictures may be submitted until Aug. 22.

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 www.exploreum.com.