Calling writers, videographers and nature lovers! Environment Canada has the perfect contest for you.

As part of the International Year of Biodiversity declared by the United Nations, Environment Canada is holding the national Nature Matters! Contest. Until February 28th, Canadians between the ages of 9 and 35 can submit written or video essays answering the question:

Grand prize winners will be invited to Ottawa to attend the re-opening of the Canadian Museum of Nature on International Biodiversity Day, May 22, 2010 and will also have their winning entries displayed at the Biosphère in Montreal during 2010.

Grand prize winning and runner-up essays will be announced through the Environment Canada network, reaching over a million people, and will be published on the website of the Canadian Biodiversity Information Network.

For the entry form and more details, visit www.cbin.ec.gc.ca/nature/concours-contest.cfm?lang=eng.

Update: Deadline extended until March 28, 2010.