Young Journalists and final year Journalism students here in NCD this week had the privilege to undergo a capacity building workshop to enhance their skills in Environmental Reporting.
The Workshop, facilitated by Earth Journalism Network and Internews, centred around the important role that Journalists play in informing the public of what and how negative human behaviour impacts the environment [In terms of waste management and pollution] and their role in highlighting these specific issues to relevant authorities and how to influence and bring about positive change in society.
This was in conjunction with World Environment Month 2023. PNG Media Council President Neville Choi who also facilitated a session stated that the country is now positioned in the stage where many economic activities, especially in the mining industry will soon commence or resume.
He added that journalists and reporters must have adequate knowledge in order in this specific area to accurately report on these issues concerning the environment.
“We need more environmental reporting.”
“It’s because PNG is now positioned in the space where we need to have reporting in this space in the local media.”
“Why? Because we’re seeing the restart of Porgera, the Frieda River Project going ahead, a new company taking over from where Solwara 1 left off for undersea mining,” Mr. Choi said.
He further stated these are things that change the direction and economics of our country, and in turn, therefore, impact the lives of our people.