October 7, 2010 -- Nikon Corporation (Makoto Kimura, President, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo) sponsors the International Children's Conference on the Environment (Kodomo COP10 in Aichi-Nagoya) that discusses the conservation of biodiversity in Nagoya, Aichi, from October 21 to 25 in conjunction with COP10. Nikon offers unique events as part of our social contribution activities. Nikon has decided to sponsor this event with full agreement to the themes: conservation of biodiversity and environmental education for children.

The UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) invites children around the world to one place every year and provides a unique opportunity for leaders of the next generation to discuss environmental issues, inspire each other with their environmental work, and increase their understanding of environmental issues. This year's conference is hosted by the UNEP and the executive committee of the Kodomo COP10 in Aichi-Nagoya.

Nikon programs

Nikon offers two unique programs for children who attend the conference from abroad.

• In preparation for the conference, children learn about Japan's forests and how they are conserved using the AKAYA NOTE (special notebook published by Nikon) that features the Akaya forest in Gunma prefecture.

• Children are invited to the Mt. Fuji excursion. Children play games and take photographs in the wildlife sanctuary and forest in Mr. Fuji to learn about nature and biodiversity of Japan through their experiences.

During the conference period, the awarding ceremony of the 19th International Children's Painting Competition on the Environment is held. The painting competition is jointly organized by the UNEP, the Foundation for Global Peace and Environment, Bayer and Nikon. Top eight winners who are invited to Nagoya, Aichi, with their chaperones, receive prize money and prize plaque from Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director, and guests.

Nikon, an official partner of the UNEP that promotes environmental education for children, continues to support this program.

The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.