LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s Association of Environmental Journalists (AEJ) members have been challenged to extensively report and cover science and the environment that protects the general public from climate change shocks.
Acting Director of the Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), Tiwonge Mbale Luka told AEJ’s annual congress underway in Lilongwe that the general public expects environmental protection coverage.
Luka emphasized the need for environmental journalists to go beyond reporting while investigating environmental challenges that attract policy for action.
“Government and the media have a role in ensuring the environment and natural resources are managed sustainably. Therefore, there is a coverage gap, and media professionals need to improve their reporting on all aspects of the environment,” urges Luka.
AEJ Board Chairperson Emmanuel Muwamba says the gathering is a vital platform for us to exchange ideas, share knowledge, network, and strengthen collective efforts towards environmental sustainability.
Muwamba however acknowledged the coverage gap but was quick to note that the depth of environmental reporting has improved greatly over the past 10 years.
“Climate change is magnifying these impacts by putting greater strain on land and forests due to increased incidents of natural disasters and extreme weather events. The degradation of the environment and natural resources has an effect on the economy of the country. It is therefore important to address the factors that lead to environmental degradation so that the environment is sustainably managed leading to its restoration.
“However this cannot be achieved if science and environmental journalists fail to inform or raise awareness among people of the society. Science and environmental journalists should generate the debate on interlinkages between environmental issues and sustainable development,” observes Muwamba.
He added, “Science and environmental journalists should champion sustainable environmental management. Science and environmental journalists should not only hold the Government accountable but the citizenry too should account for their actions.
“Journalists analyze current trends of environmental issues through in-depth environmental reports that do not only allow organizations to assure the general public that they are adhering to applicable laws and regulations, such reports should also give companies a platform to address specific questions so that we are not seen to be biased”.
The 2024 Annual Congress for Science and Environmental Journalists in Malawi is under the theme, “Be Part of the Plan”.
The theme underscores the importance of collective action towards environmental sustainability.
The three-day conference that started on August 8, 2024, is also expected to usher in new leadership, award the best environmental reporters, and conclude with a big walk on Saturday, August 10.