Dear Friends,
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) celebrates the International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD) on 22 May every year to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. The theme for this year is Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity.

To mark IBD this year, ICIMOD is organizing a writing competition for students and young researchers from its regional member countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan.

We invite you to submit a write-up based on your research in 750-800 words. Your writing may take a personal tone, reflecting on experiences that were part of the research process. Please choose one of the below listed categories of focus:

• Biodiversity and sustainable development
• Equitable access and benefit sharing
• Sustainable use of biodiversity

Your submission should include two representative photos with captions and credits in your article, and can be submitted using the online form here.

The deadline for submission is 15 May 2018. Participating authors should be no older than 30 years old. All submissions must be the authors’ original work.

A panel of ICIMOD judges will select three winners based on content, readability, originality, and relevance to the IBD 2018 theme. Winners will be awarded certificates of recognition and USD 100 each as prize money.

Additional details on the competition and other activities to mark IBD 2018 is available here. http://www.icimod.org/?q=30977