ISLAMABAD, Feb 16: The Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) has annouced the "Developing Asia Journalism Awards" for journalists, covering development issues in print media, says a press release.

The purpose of the awards is to publicly acknowledge the efforts made by Asian journalists in developing countries, who provide a high quality and objective coverage of the issues affecting growth and development, Mr Peter McCawley, the dean of ADBI, was quoted as saying at the official launch held in the foreign correspondents club of Japan.

Awards will be based on the journalists' published works for the period 2001 to 2003. The winners, to be selected by a jury, will be given awards at a ceremony in Tokyo in June.

The award categories are: Good governance and anti-corruption, Regional cooperation and integration for development, Environmental sustainability of development, Role of the private sector in attaining development, Inclusive social development, Pro-poor sustainable economic growth.

Winners in all categories will receive $1,500 and a trophy, and the inclusion of their sorties in a compendium book. Runner-up prizes amount to $1,000 and $500 respectively.

Additional special prizes of $2,000 will be awarded for: Development Journalist of the Year, Development Woman Journalist of the Year, Young Development Journalist of the Year (under 30 years of age) Island Journalist Award (Pacific Islands and Maldives)

Special prizes may be given to entrants in the main award categories or to separate entries. ADBI will provide the top three finalists in each category with an all-expense paid trip to Tokyo for the award ceremony, dinner and a two-day programme visiting media agencies.

Further details, guidelines, and application forms are available at www.adbi.org/journalismawards.html