Airbus kicks off International Year of Biodiversity with touring photography exhibition See The Bigger Picture takes to the road

Leading aircraft manufacturer Airbus is launching the first of its 2010 activities to support the United Nations' International Year of Biodiversity with a world touring youth photography exhibition. The Airbus ‘See the Bigger Picture’ exhibition can be seen from today in the French capital, Paris, and will go on tour to various cities in the world throughout this year.


The exhibition comprises a magnificent selection of amateur photographs taken for an international competition, by young people up to the age of 16, launched by Airbus in partnership with National Geographic and the Secretariat of Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The images, depicting the importance of preserving biodiversity, will first be displayed on railings outside the headquarters of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) until February 24th.

Andrea Debbane, Vice President Public Affairs and Communications at Airbus, said, “Aviation is already putting a huge effort into reducing the 2% it contributes to manmade emissions through research and technology designed to increase aircraft efficiency, reduce fuel burn and develop alternative fuels. The International Year of Biodiversity however, allows us to look beyond our core activity and use our international outreach to help raise awareness of the vital role biodiversity plays. In this important year we are asking others in our industry to join us in taking responsibility and ensuring this message is as far reaching as possible. Biodiversity is also vital for the future of aviation and economic development. The natural world has been, and continues to be, a source of inspiration to engineers in creating eco-efficient aircraft. Biologically inspired engineering or ‘biomimicry’ is the future, and we need to ensure this is preserved.”

The exhibition is running in tandem with a major UNESCO biodiversity exhibition which will be displayed inside UNESCO Headquarters from January before it begins its international tour.

This initiative is part of Airbus’ support of The Green Wave, a youth engagement programme of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Notes to editors:
See the Bigger Picture:

- The images on display in the exhibition are the winners and honourable mentions from the See the Bigger Picture photography competition, launched in 2009 by Airbus in partnership with National Geographic and the Secretariat for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

- Young people from 99 countries around the world submitted their interpretations of biodiversity for the chance to win a trip to the National Geographic Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

- The competition was launched as part of Airbus’ commitment to The Green Wave, an ambitious youth engagement programme of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

- Images from the competition also feature in UNESCO’s touring biodiversity exhibition
- Visit: www.seethebiggerpicture.org
The Green Wave:

- The Green Wave is a global biodiversity campaign to educate children and youth about life on Earth and its importance for their futures.

- The CBD is a United Nations intergovernmental treaty, whose objectives are the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of the components of biodiversity and the equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. The Secretariat of the CBD is provided by the United Nations Environment Programme.

- 2010 is the United Nations’ International Year of Biodiversity. On May 22 2010 (The International Day of Biodiversity), as part of The Green Wave initiative, young people are invited to plant a tree at 10:00 to celebrate biodiversity. This will create a ‘green’ wave of tree planting as the activity passes through each time zone across the world.

- Photos and stories from the moment can then be uploaded to The Green Wave website to create a virtual wave on the internet.
- Visit http://greenwave.cbd.int.
Airbus-specific notes:

- Airbus believes that growth in air travel is a global need and that the essential social and economic benefits derived from a more connected world can still be unlocked and deliver a greener world, if everybody plays their part.

- Airbus acknowledges the 2% that aviation contributes to global man-made CO2 emissions, but believes that it also has a responsibility to support others in tackling the remaining 98% of CO2 emissions. Deforestation alone, for example, generates nearly 20% of man-made CO2, so Airbus is working with the CBD and using its global outreach to raise awareness of the importance of the need to preserve the variety of life on earth.

- Biomimicry’ – the study and imitation of nature’s best ideas to solve human problems - continues to inspire designs for greener flight and a more connected and sustainable world. Losing biodiversity means losing the potential to find innovative solutions to future problems faced by humankind.

- This is why Airbus has committed to support the CBD’s The Green Wave initiative.

The Wonders of Green Tea

Bangkok on Siam Square

Maintain a youthful look longer than ever with the Green Tea Facial offered this January 2010 at Tammachart Day Spa, Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square. The special anti-oxidants have an anti-ageing effect as they delay the collagen breakdown process, allowing you to keep a healthy and bright skin for a long time. Experience true wonder with this 60-minute treatment for 1,000 Baht net only and During February – March 2010 enjoy with Traditional Thai Massage and Foot Massage for 90 minutes is priced at only 850 Baht nett.

REVISED VERSION : 2010 Harvest Activities in Thai vineyards

The members of the Thai Wine Association, which include Alcidini, Granmonte Family Vineyards, PB Valley Khao Yai Winery, Siam Winery, Silverlake Vineyards, and Village Farm have announced the harvest festival program starting in February until mid-March 2010. Fun and exciting activities include harvesting, music and dance, to fine dinners and wine tastings.


The members of the Thai Wine Association are commencing the 2010 harvest in February and March of 2010. Throughout this period an array of interesting and fun activities are taking place in Khao Yai, Pattaya and Hua Hin regions.

Visitors to the regions can participate in the annual harvesting of premium Thai grapes and meet winemakers and owners alike. All grape pickers are hosted to a casual lunch. During the evenings the member wineries host their own festivities to celebrate the harvest with good food, music and other fun activities celebrating Bacchus, the god of wine and the recent success in the international competitions.

Kicking off the series of activities are the wineries from Khao Yai Wine Region. At Granmonte, the “Grand Celebration” is going to be held on February 6-7 and followed by Village Farm where the annual “night harvest” is arranged on February 13 (with a second one on February 27) and a post harvest winter music fest on March 6. Last but not least, PB Valley Khao Yai Winery’s “Rhythm in the Vineyard” will also be held on February 20th.

In Pattaya, visitors can join Silverlake Vineyard at Blue to Rock concert on 6 February, followed by the Jazz Kamikake on 13 March. And in Hua Hin, Siam Winery’s Hua Hin Hills Vineyard is offering a special Valentine’s Day menu on February 14th, as well as jazz sounds on weekends from February 20 to March 21. Hua Hin Hills Vineyards’ “Wine Harvest Dinner” is scheduled on February 26, 2010.

All wine enthusiasts and first-time grape pickers are invited and encouraged to call the individual wineries or visit their websites for more information and bookings.