On May 19 this year, President Johnson Toribiong proclaimed 2010 as the Palau Year of Biodiversity and designated PICRC as the focal point and national representative for all activities relating to the International Year of Biodiversity. As part of its efforts to promote understanding of the vital role that biodiversity plays, PICRC, together with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Bureau of Arts and Culture, is sponsoring a theme-song writing contest for the International Year of Biodiversity.
“We are now accepting song entries to qualify for the theme song of the International Year of Biodiversity,” said Carol Emaurois, Head of Environmental Education/PR Department of PICRC. “Entries must capture the theme ‘Biodiversity is life, Biodiversity is our Life.’”
The contest is being funded by JICA.
The song entries can be in Palauan or English. The deadline for submission is August 31. Grand prize is $1,000. First place receives $500. Second and third placers get $200 and $100 cash prizes, respectively.
Among the categories are pop/adult contemporary, rock/alternative, country, contemporary acoustic/folk, R&B/hip-hop, contemporary Christian/gospel, instrumental and lyric-writing.
The same song may be entered in multiple categories, but a separate entry fee is required for each. The fee for the first two entries is $15, and $10 for succeeding entries. Emaurois said there’s no limit on the number of song entries.
Judging will be in September. Depending on the category, song entries will be judged on creativity, originality, lyrics, melody and arrangement.
“The recording quality and vocal ability are not criteria for this contest,” Emaurois explained. “For information and entry forms, visit PICRC or the Bureau of Arts and Culture.”
