Twenty-five journalists and bloggers across Sierra Leone have completed an intensive five-day Green Journalism training in Kenema. This transformative program, facilitated by the Initiatives for Media Development (IMdev) in partnership with the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and funded by the European Union Delegation in Sierra Leone, aimed to enhance the capacity of local journalists to report on pressing environmental issues, thereby fostering public awareness and motivating positive environmental action throughout the country.
The training covered essential topics such as environmental regulations, institutional mandates, sustainable development, and climate change. It empowered journalists to understand the complexities of environmental issues and how they impact local communities. Participants gained theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling them to craft impactful stories highlighting the importance of environmental conservation in Sierra Leone.
The training featured hands-on field visits to key environmental sites, including the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Barri Chiefdom, Puhejun District, and the Kambui Hills Forest Reserve in Nongowa Chiefdom, Kenema District. These excursions provided the journalists with a firsthand understanding of the environmental challenges faced by these reserves and the local efforts to manage them.
SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla emphasized the role of journalists in addressing the country's environmental issues. "Environmental journalism is crucial in tackling the pressing issues facing Sierra Leone and the world," he said. This training not only equips journalists with the skills they need to tell these important stories but also empowers them to advocate for sustainable environmental management and change in their communities."
Participants received guidance on crafting stories that resonate with local audiences while addressing global issues like climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Emphasizing multimedia storytelling, the training equipped journalists with tools and techniques for data presentation, video and audio production, and social media engagement to amplify their stories and reach broader audiences.
Yeama Sarah Thompson-Oguamah, CEO of IMdev, underscored the transformative potential of environmental journalism in Sierra Leone. "Environmental journalism is not just about telling stories; it is about sparking a movement," she stated. "These journalists are better equipped to connect global environmental challenges to local realities, empowering communities to demand action and protect our precious ecosystems."
A significant highlight of the training was the collaboration and network-building fostered among journalists, which laid the groundwork for a robust network of environmental reporters across Sierra Leone. With ongoing support from SLAJ and IMdev, the participating journalists are poised to drive a powerful movement for sustainable development through impactful reporting on environmental issues. This network will continue to share resources, story ideas, and mentorship, encouraging long-term engagement in green journalism.
The fellowship program, launched as a follow-up to the training, will provide select journalists with mentorship and support to develop investigative stories on environmental topics. This program, alongside the formation of the Network of Environmental Journalists, aims to sustain momentum and ensure that environmental reporting remains a priority in Sierra Leonean journalism.
The timing of this training aligns closely with the Sierra Leone Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security. This initiative, championed by President Julius Maada Bio, will convene a National Dialogue on Climate Change starting November 4. With solid support from the EU, this dialogue is expected to yield strategies for tackling the country's most pressing environmental issues, and journalists will play a vital role in relaying its messages to the public.
Mr. Jacek Jankowski, the EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone, highlighted the EU's commitment to supporting green transition efforts in the country. "The European Union commits to providing significant funding to support green transition efforts, notably related to environmental protection, climate change mitigation and adaptation, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture through a wide range of ongoing projects in Sierra Leone," he remarked.
The European Union appreciated the invaluable contributions of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, SLAJ, the Independent Media Commission of Sierra Leone, local stakeholders, and other partners throughout the training. This partnership underscores the collective effort required to address Sierra Leone's environmental challenges and reinforces the media's role in fostering public understanding and action on these critical issues.
With the skills acquired through this training, Sierra Leonean journalists are now better positioned to elevate environmental stories, hold policymakers accountable, and engage their communities in the journey towards sustainable development. The initiative marks a significant step towards building a more informed and environmentally-conscious society in Sierra Leone.
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