FREETOWN: Twenty-five journalists from media outlets across Sierra Leone have completed an intensive Green Journalism Training, facilitated by Initiatives for Media Development (IMdev) and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), with funding from the European Union. This program aims to equip journalists with the skills to report effectively on environmental issues, raising public awareness and inspiring action on Sierra Leone’s pressing environmental challenges.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, this in-depth five-day training covered essential topics, including environmental regulations, institutional mandates, sustainable development, climate change, and multimedia storytelling. Journalists also had the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning through field visits to Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Barri Chiefdom in Puhejun District and Kambui Hills Forest Reserve in Nongowa Chiefdom, Kenema District where they observed real-world environmental management challenges.
‘Environmental
journalism is crucial in addressing the pressing issues facing Sierra Leone and the world,’ said SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla. ‘This training not only equips journalists with the skills they need to tell these important stories but also empowers them to be advocates for sustainable environmental management and change in their communities.’
Participants received expert guidance on crafting impactful stories that resonate with local audiences, emphasizing the importance of making global issues like climate change and deforestation relevant to their communities. The training also focused on multimedia skills, equipping journalists with software tools for data presentation and analysis, as well as techniques to leverage video, audio, and social media for more effective audience engagement.
A key highlight of the program was the networking and collaboration fostered among journalists, laying the foundation for a robust network of environmental reporters in Sierra Leone.
‘We are building a network of env
ironmentally conscious journalists who will continue to support each other and promote green reporting long after this training,’ said John C. Abu-Kpawoh, Rural Development and Infrastructure Section of the European Union. ‘Our goal is to create lasting impacts, and we believe these journalists will help lead the way.’
Following the training, a fellowship program was launched to motivate journalists in reporting environmental issues alongside the formation of a Network of Environmental Journalists. With ongoing support from SLAJ and IMdev, they are poised to drive a powerful movement for sustainable development through journalism, fostering greater environmental awareness and accountability across Sierra Leone.
This training comes particularly timely because of the Sierra Leone Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, which will hold a National Dialogue starting on Monday 4 November, launched by President Julius Maada Bio. The EU is also strongly supporting the dialogue
which will require media to relay its content and messages for its success.
The EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Jacek Jankowski said, ‘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.’
The European Union extends its appreciation to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, SLAJ, the Independent Media Commission of Sierra Leone, local stakeholders, along with other partners, for their invaluable expertise provided during the week-long training.