The Asia-Pacific Forum of Environmental Journalists (APFEJ) is currently accepting entries for the 2009 Asia-Pacific Awards for Excellence in Environmental Journalism. The awards recognise the efforts of journalists in the Asia-Pacific region working on environmental issues and encourage environmental journalism across the region.

Interested journalists are asked to submit stories that were published in local media between January 1 and December 31 2008. Submissions can cover or address any aspect of the environment in the region or the applicant's country. This work can include scientific research and findings, protected areas, climate change, eco-tourism, conservation, sustainable development, eco-friendly alternative products and fuels, environmental education, environmental political issues, threats to the environment, mining, logging, oil extraction and other forms of exploitation of natural resources, and social issues related to the environment. The contest was first introduced in 1990 to promote high quality coverage of environmental issues and acknowledge the work of communication professionals in that field.

Six sub-regional winners will also be announced, recognising quality environmental coverage in Central Asia, East Asia, South-east Asia, South Asia, West Asia, and the Pacific. Regional winners will receive certificates, three-year membership to APFEJ, and a fully-paid trip to the 18th World Congress of Environmental Journalists held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, October 19-22 2009. They will have an opportunity to meet with colleagues from around the world to share experiences and examine issues related to environmental reporting.

Applicants must also include their full name, address, phone/fax/email contact numbers, dates of publication, and names of newspapers/magazines. Print, electronic, and online journalists and photographers, full-time or freelance, can take part in the contest. They should be residents of the Asia-Pacific region and work in or with the local or national media. There are no entry fees of any kind for submissions.

Click here for more information.

Click here to read about previous winners.

Sri Lanka Environmental Journalists Forum (SLEJF).