Journalists and columnists from the Asia Pacific region are invited by Pesticide Action Network Asia and the Pacific (PAN AP) and the International Federation of Environmental Journalists to submit their best articles on rice and rice-related issues. The Asia Pacific Rice Journalist Award is based on the theme of Asia's rice heritage and the threats it faces in this era of globalisation. The award will be presented to writers who effectively educate the public on the role of rice in cultures, economies and communities/societies in the region. The articles should use the Five Pillars of Rice Wisdom as the guiding principles. They should reflect any or all of the following aims: instilling an appreciation of the rice heritage of Asia; raising public awareness of the issues on and threats to rice; highlighting the role of small farmers and women in rice; strengthening the people's resolve and action to save rice; and encouraging a stronger role for youth in rice.

Submitted articles must have been published between September 1 2007 and December 31 2008 in print or electronic media, or on websites of the said media. While mainstream media are preferred, non-mainstream media will also be considered. The winner will receive US$1,000, a plaque, and a certificate.
The deadline for application is January 2 2009.

Click here for more information.

Click here to access an entry form in either MS Word or PDF format.

Email from Nalaka Gunawardene to The Communication Initiative on August 19 2008.