PEMSEA, HP Philippines Extend EAS Congress 2009 Regional Photo Contest

Manila, Philippines — The deadline for submission of entries for the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2009 Regional Photo Contest has been extended to 28 February 2008. Open to nationals of the East Asian region, three grand prizewinners (one from each category: Youth, Hobbyist, and Professional) will receive complimentary registration to the EAS Congress 2009, with free roundtrip airfare, accommodation and allowance. The complimentary registration includes free attendance to the EAS Congress events and workshops, including conference kits/materials, field trip and select meals. Grand prizewinners will also receive a printer from HP Philippines.The theme "The Coast, The Ocean, My Community" emphasizes the importance of turning knowledge and concern about the coastal and marine environment into on-the-ground actions. It aims to generate awareness on local and national ocean-, coastal-, and environment-related initiatives of each country and to increase participation of the communities in these activities.Photographs must demonstrate local actions/implementation and good practices in sustainable coastal and ocean protection, development and management. These can show local and national initiatives that address: natural and man-made hazard prevention and management; habitat protection, restoration and management; water use and supply management; food security and livelihood management; and pollution reduction and waste management. There is no limit to the number of entries an entrant can submit.Photos must be high-quality prints or digital files and can be in color or black & white. These should not have been previously published, printed or sold commercially, displayed or won any prize or distinction in another competition. Entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria: relevance to the theme, composition/creativity and technical quality.The contest will consist of two rounds of evaluation. The initial screening will be conducted by the PEMSEA National Focal Points, who will choose the top 3 entries in their respective countries on 31 March. The country finalists will then move on to the final round of judging on 9 May and vie for the grand prize.