By Kemo Cham
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), in collaboration with the European Union Delegation in Sierra Leone, on Monday commenced a five-day training on reporting environmental issues.
Dubbed green journalism, the training is part of an initiative to strengthening media’s role in Climate Action.
Twenty-two journalists and three social media influencers drawn from across the country are taking part in training which is ongoing in the eastern in Kenema district from October 28 to November 1, 2024.
The Initiatives for Media Development (IMdev) is conducting the training which the funders say aims to build the capacity of the participants to effectively report on pressing environmental issues, including deforestation, coastal erosion, illegal fishing, and the broader impacts of climate change on the country.
The program aims to elevate the role of journalists in shaping public discourse and influencing policies on environmental sustainability, climate change, and natural resource management, the EU Delegation to Sierra Leone said in a statement released to the media ahead of commencement of the training. It noted that participants will receive hands-on training in investigative reporting techniques, sustainable practices, and environmental governance.
The training entails field visits to two ecological sites: Tiwai Island Sanctuary and the Kambui Hills Forest Reserve.
Tiwai Island, a renowned biodiversity hotspot, will offer participants firsthand insights into wildlife conservation and the importance of ecosystem preservation. The Kambui Hills Forest Reserve, on the other hand, will highlight the challenges of deforestation and forest management, providing journalists with a deeper understanding of how these issues impact the environment and local communities.
SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, said the training offers opportunity for journalists to equip themselves on how to use complex data to influence policy changes through their reportage.
“The challenges Sierra Leone faces in environmental degradation require the media to step up and be the voice of both the environment and the people affected,” Nasralla said in a statement.
“This training provides the skills to turn complex environmental data into compelling narratives that inspire action and inform policy,” he added.
Yema Mimi Sobba-Stephens, Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change, said the training compliments government’s efforts towards combating climate change and other environmental challenges.
“This initiative is a vital step in our national strategy to combat climate change and environmental degradation,” she said, adding: “By empowering journalists with the knowledge and skills to communicate these complex issues effectively, we are fostering a more informed public discourse and paving the way for evidence-based policymaking in environmental management.”
EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone Jacek Jankowski, said the training exemplifies the EU’s commitment to deepen its partnership with Sierra Leone in critical areas such as environmental sustainability and climate action.
“By empowering journalists to effectively report on these pressing issues, we are fostering a more informed public discourse and supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts to address climate change,” he said, noting that the training aligns with the EU’s shared dedication to sustainable development and creating opportunities for Sierra Leone’s youth to engage in meaningful dialogue about their country’s future.
According to Ambassador Jankowski, the training is another demonstration of EU’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts in protecting and preserving its biodiversity, noting that it is a key focus of the EU’s Development Partnership and its Multiannual Indicative Programme for 2021-2027, under the Green Economy, which includes support for the sustainable management of the country’s ecosystems and biodiversity.
