Tag Archives: Association of Environmental Journalists (AEJ)

Environment, Law and order

“Hold duty bearers accountable on access to energy, environmental challenges through ATI law”-Oxfam Malawi

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Oxfam Malawi has dared environmental journalists to extensively use the Access to Information Law by holding public officers accountable to address environmental challenges being experienced.

Oxfam Malawi’s Clean Energy project Coordinator Kondwani Mubisa told The Maravi Post during the sidelines of the 2024 Annual Congress for Science and Environmental Journalists in Malawi underway in the capital Lilongwe that the law requires full understanding for easy usage.

Mubisa therefore commended the Association of Environmental Journalists (AEJ) and Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) for accepting Oxfam’s request to train journalists on ATI law as part of the institution’s capacity-building agenda.

“The training focused on enhancing the knowledge and skills of journalists concerning access to information, with a particular emphasis on the energy sector and environmental issues.

“The primary objective of the training was to equip journalists with a comprehensive understanding of the Access to Information Law, empowering them to leverage this legal framework in their pursuit of accountability and transparency within the energy sector and the environmental sector at large,” he said.

Mubisa adds, “The session underscored the critical role of the media in holding institutions accountable by ensuring that vital information is accessible to the public. We want environmental journalists to utilize the Access to Information Law to obtain information from various institutions.

“The training emphasized the importance of transparency in governance and how journalists can serve as a bridge between institutions and the public by making crucial information available for public consumption. Moreover, the session provided in-depth discussions on the relationship between the Access to Information Law and the Constitution of Malawi, highlighting the provisions that safeguard media freedom”.

He explains further, “Participants were made aware of how these legal tools can be used to navigate challenges in their reporting, particularly when dealing with sensitive or restricted information. This legal grounding is vital for journalists who are often on the frontline of investigative reporting, ensuring they can effectively perform their duties while upholding journalistic integrity.

“The session also addressed the potential limitations and exemptions within the Access to Information Law. Journalists were sensitized to scenarios where the law might not apply, such as cases involving national security, personal privacy, or other protected information categories. Understanding these exemptions is crucial for media practitioners to navigate the legal landscape without inadvertently breaching legal boundaries”.

Speaking on the sidelines of the training, AEJ President Matthews Malata lauded Oxfam for the timely training saying will help environmental journalists to utilize the law effectively when accessing information from policyholders.

The capacity-building session on leveraging the access to information law in advancing the clean energy agenda was supported by Oxfam under the Promoting Equitable Access to Clean Energy (PEACE) project with financial support from the European Union (EU).

Environment, Malawi

Malawi’s environmental journalists dared on protective reporting amid climate change shocks

Lloyd M’bwana

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.

Environment, Malawi, Regional

#COP28UAE: Malawi environmental experts demand Loss and Damage fund’s full operationalization

Lloyd M’bwana

DUBAI-(MaraviPost)-Malawi’s environmental experts are demanding serious commitments and full operationalization not pledges on Loss and Damage fund from developed nations.

The call comes as developed nations have pledges about US$740 million towards Loss and Damage Fund in the ongoing COP28 summit in Dubai.

Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) National Coordinator, Association of Environmental Journalists (AEJ) in Malawi President and National Youth Network on Climate Change (NYNCC) National Coordinator Julius Ng’oma , Matthews Malata, and Dominic Nyasulu respectively are part of discussion demands underway in Dubai.

The trio were addressing youth gathering virtually on Friday morning, December 8, 2024, on the COP28 proceedings.

Ng’oma told the youths that there is still negotiations going on how the fund will be utilized arguing that conditions attached to the funds needs to be revised for easy access.

He disclosed that there are over ten conditions attached to the funds with fears that it will be hard for developing nations to access the resources.

“This is just a pledge. We want total commitment and operationalization of the fund for developing nations to start accessing the resources. However, our worries are on conditions attached to the fund by World Bank,” worried Ng’oma.

Echoing the same Nyasalu hinted that, “We want to see this funding benefit young people directly in implementing projects related to loss and damages that Malawi experienced last growing season including Cyclone Freddy”.

Malata chipped in, “We want this funding to be fully utilized towards climate change effects’ adaptation mechanisms as Malawi still lagging behind on it”.

National Youth Network on Climate Change (NYNCC) has organised Zoom meetings for youths to follow the ongoing COP28 summit in Dubai.

With funding from Concern Worldwide, NYNCC’s virtual meetings for Malawian youths to follow the ongoing COP28 summit in Dubai.

Friday meeting attracted youths from high learning institutions, including Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar), Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), Malawi Assemblies of God University (MAGU), Lake View University and others.

Business, Environment

FDH Bank partners journalists, schools in tree planting

Maravi Post Reporter

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-FDH Bank Plc on Thursday partnered with the Association of Environmental Journalists (AEJ) and three schools in Blantyre in tree planting activities to promote a green environment.

Speaking in Blantyre, FDH Bank plc Senior Manager for Internal audit Potamira Kumpumula said under the Bank’s sustainability program FDH Cares.

FDH Group committed to plant 1 million trees by 2024 and since 2021.

The bank has championed the planting of 250 000 trees so far through their staff members, partners, customers and various stakeholders and initiatives in alignment with the Malawi 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.  

“FDH Group recognizes the importance of a green environment and as a responsible corporate citizen it has reinforced its commitment to champion a sustainable green environment that will foster the development of the country and nurture a resilient country against various environmental and economic forces.”

“FDH Bank Plc would like to commend the Association of Environmental Journalists, Wildlife Association of Malawi, students of Chitawira and Mlambala Primary Schools and Manja Secondary School for being champions and advancing a truly sustainable community and environment that will benefit Malawi and beyond,” said Kumpumula.

In her remarks, AEJ vice president Wezi Nyirongo said as journalists, they want to show the world that they are passionate about environmental conservation through various activities such as tree planting exercises.

“So, we will ensure total survival of the 20, 000 trees provided by our partner FDH here in the southern region by empowering the learners in schools to water them as the rainy season comes to an end. We value the green partnership we have with FDH and the survival of these trees will be another big milestone in sustaining this relationship,” said Nyirongo.

Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (Wesm) Environmental Education Manager Ausward Bonongwe commended FDH Bank plc for its commitment to protecting and sustaining the environment despite operating in a difficult economic environment as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Environment, Malawi, Top News

Malawi set for national adaptation symposium on May 30 in Lilongwe

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining through Environmental Affairs Department in collaboration with the Adaptation Expert Working Group and the Association of Environmental Journalists (AEJ) in Malawi will on May 30 to May 31 hosts the first ever 2018 National Adaptation Symposium.

Under the theme titled;“Harnessing adaptation knowledge and practices for a resilient Malawi”, the symposium will be held at Bingu International Convention Center (BICC) in Lilongwe.

In a press statement released by Patrick, Matanda, Secretary for the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, and made available to the Maravi Post, says the Symposium will be graced by the Minister Aggrey Masi.

Matanda added that the event will start with a solidarity walk from Parliament Round About to BICC at 07:45 hrs.

Other activities will include: Pavilion Displays, Performances, Paper Presentations, Poster displays, a Panel discussion and high level statements at BICC from 09:00 hrs.

A Panel discussion will be live on MBC radio and Zodiak radio stations from 6 to 8 pm at the same venue.

According to the Secretary Matanda, the 2018 symposium has been organised to showcase and disseminate the best practices in climate change adaptation and resilience building in Malawi.

“Different stakeholders are expected to share experiences in Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Building on the following thematic areas include; innovations and indigenous knowledge and practices in Climate Change Adaptation (CCA),ecosystem Based Adaptation, policy Frameworks and CCA, adaptation for All: Engaging the youths, women, faith leaders in enhancing CCA and Resilience Building, private Sector engagement in CCA, and access and use of climate information for adaptation.

“The Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining is therefore urging the general public to participate at the Symposium and also to engage in holistic, collective and collaborative approaches as we implement the Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Building interventions in Malawi,” urges Matanda.

AEJ Secretary General Charles Mkoka observed that the forum will provide opportunities its members to appreciate on practical adaptation measures the nation is taking in addressing effects of climate change.

“The Association of Environment Journalists (AEJ) is a partner to the symposium in order to ensure that it’s role of sharing best practices and up scaling visibility is enhanced through synergies the grouping continues to forge with government departments and line ministries plus development partners to ensure a more resilient Malawi that can withstand the negative effects of climate change.

“It is only a well informed nation that can act timely in the face of adverse weather conditions hence it is the duty of AEJ to ensure it channels information timely and accurately for communities to take appropriate actions,” says Mkoka.

The symposium will attract participants from the media, civil society, government agencies, chiefs and communities across the country.

Environment, Malawi

Malawi media environmental body pairs with TechnoBrain,LWB and MDF to restore depleted Dzalanyama forest

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country coordinated environmental media body, Association of Environmental Journalists (AEJ)in Malawi on Saturday paired with Techno Brain, Lilongwe Water Board (LWB)and Malawi Defence Force (MDF)in planting trees exercise at Dzalanyama Forest Reserve which is Lilongwe River’s source.

This is an initiative aimed at helping restoring the heavily destroyed forest to its former glory.

The media body along side with its partners including Techno Brain and LWB has been planting trees in the forest for the past four years as a way of helping to sustain the environment.

On this year’s exercise, Information Technology company, Techno Brain bought 5000 seedlings plus T-shirt towards the planting initiative.

AEJ Secretary General Charles Mkoka emphasised the need for all stakeholders to corroborate with the media in environmental conservation.

Mkoka lauded the association’s partners for timely engagement towards the grouping’s objectives in the country.
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Techno Brain Project manager Tionge Chipeta-Mwandira said it was an obligation for the company to appreciate nature but covering it with seedlings towards Dzalanyama restoration.

Mwandira added that as the company that matters most on nature, will continue supporting other interested environmental body to look after environment.

“Techno Brain values nature so much that is why for four years we have been participating in this tree planting exercise right here at Dzalanyama and we are proud to be part of the efforts to restore this forest,” she said.

Secretary to government, Lloyd Muhara who led the exercise along side MDF commander, Griffin Supuni Phiri and Inspector General of Police Lexten Kachama said Malawi government is hoping that Dzalanyama Forest Reserve is going to be restored if the survival rate on trees planted in the previous growing season can be sustained, adding that the seedlings survived by 78 percent.

However, MDF commander, Supuni Phiri, disputed the allegations that soldiers were brutal, adding that they were simply discharging their duties and those who didn’t like them were the law breakers.

Board chairperson for LWB Edward Chitsonga attributed the tree survival to good planting timing and good care provided to the trees.

According to Chitsonga the board planned to plant 6000 trees but planted only 1000 seedlings during the exercise so the remaining 5000 seedlings re planted on a better day when it was raining.

The biggest challenge to the Dzalanyama Forest has been the surrounding communities who fell down trees in order to make charcoal or sell the firewood. The practice has been so rampant that it felt like government was losing the battle until it engaged the Malawi Defense Force to guarding the forest.