Lowepro and Polar Bears International Co-Sponsor the 2010 “My Favorite Things” Photo Contest, designed to promote awareness of the effects of climate change on our environment through the art of photography.

(Sebastopol, CA, July 1, 2010) – Lowepro, the leading brand of protective gear for photography equipment and portable electronics, and Polar Bears International (PBI), a non-profit organization dedicated to the worldwide conservation of the polar bear, has launched a photo contest titled “My Favorite Things.” The Grand Prize winner will receive a Frontiers North’s Tundra Buggy® Adventure for two to observe polar bears in their natural habitat in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada in November of 2010.

Open to professional and amateur photographers, “My Favorite Things” has a twofold purpose: to draw attention to the wildlife and ecosystems threatened by climate change and to celebrate the planet’s treasures through the medium of photography.

“Lowepro is proud to support photographers and organizations that make it their mission to protect, preserve and create awareness about climate change and its impact to our environment,” said Treg Tyler, Lowepro worldwide marketing director. “This contest is a creative way for photographers worldwide to share images of their ‘favorite things’ that may be threatened” he added.

“PBI and Lowepro are both profoundly dedicated to education and research, and the images from this contest can help spark interest and concern in others. We know that if we can assure the survival of the polar bear—the creature in most immediate peril from climate change and pollutants—we’ll have created a better planet for all its flora, fauna, water and air," said Robert Buchanan, CEO of PBI.

“My Favorite Things” photo contest takes place from July 1, 2010 through August 31, 2010. For entry information, rules and regulations, please visit www.lowepro.com/myfavoritethings.

Lowepro was founded in 1967 by photographers and photo professionals who are passionate about nature and the preservation of the natural world, and has been a proud supporter of PBI since 2006 (www.lowepro.com).

PBI is a non-profit organization dedicated to the worldwide conservation of the polar bear and its habitat through research, stewardship and education. Visit their web site to learn more about their mission and the upcoming Project Polar Bear Contest for 2010 at www.polarbearsinternational.org.

A PBI Platinum-level corporate sponsor, Frontiers North’s Tundra Buggy® Adventure (FNA) provides authentic adventures in Canada’s north and boasts the best access in the world to wild polar bears. Since 1987, FNA has created programs geared to accommodate small groups of travelers with specific interests in experiential travel, photography, culture and adventure. Visit their web site at www.frontiersnorth.com.