Mmegi

MISA to tackle environmental reporting challenges

Nkhoma PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE
Nkhoma PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

Chairperson of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Botswana Chapter, Thomas Nkhoma, says the 31st World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) Summit will address the hurdles journalists face in environmental reporting, notably the challenge of accessing reliable information and data.

In an interview, he highlighted that the Summit promises a wealth of practical insights from media veterans and environmental consultants.

"Media experts and veterans, amongst them Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, Oshinka Tsiang, and Environmental Consultant, Neo Mosimane, will share practical strategies and experiences in navigating complex environmental reporting challenges, providing journalists with valuable insights into effective storytelling and advocacy," Nkhoma told Mmegi. He added that leading researchers will furnish journalists with reliable sources and the latest findings of research, thereby enhancing the accuracy of their reportage and grounding it in evidence.

"The Summit will bring together experts and researchers such as Professor Joseph Mbaiwa from the University of Botswana’s Okavango Research Institute (ORI) who will provide journalists with access to credible sources of information and data on environmental issues. "This will enable journalists to produce more accurate and evidence-based reporting to enhance the quality of their work," he remarked. Nkhoma further indicated that the Summit is expected to attract participants from all MISA chapters, local and regional civil society organisations, information directors from six countries, development partners, and the SADC secretariat.

"Representatives from organisations such as the Mineral Development Company Botswana (MDCB), SADC, UNESCO, and Chandapiwa Sebeela, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Environmental Affairs, will provide their perspectives on policy, governance, and international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges," he added. Nkhoma emphasised that the Summit will cover a variety of topics to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in environmental reporting. "One of the topics that will be discussed is, 'Emerging Trends vis-a-vis Sustainable Development Goals 6 and 10 (SDGs 6 &10)'.

This session will explore how new developments in journalism intersect with the pursuit of SDGs related to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) and reduced inequalities (SDG 10)," Nkhoma observed. He also highlighted that a group of experts will hold a conversation on the legal obstacles that journalists encounter. He affirms they will offer practical advice on how to navigate legal structures, safeguard press liberty, advocate for the rights of journalists, and prioritise environmental reporting. "There will be a panel discussion on the 'Media Lawyers Network in Southern Africa'.

The focus will be on the legal challenges and opportunities faced by journalists in the region. This session aims to provide practical guidance on navigating legal frameworks, protecting press freedom and advocating for the rights of journalists. The hope is that this discussion will enhance the skills and confidence of journalists in environmental reporting,” he said.

According to the MISA project manager, Pamela Dube, the University of Botswana Conference Centre will host the WPFD, which has the theme, 'A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis'. "The commemorative events will begin with a regional Summit at 8am on Friday, 3rd May, 2024. On Friday evening at 7pm, MISA-Botswana will hold a panel discussion. The main events will take place on Saturday, starting with a march from Btv to the UB Conference Centre, followed by a packed schedule of activities," she told Mmegi.

Editor's Comment
The people have spoken

In fact, early election results in some areas across the country, speak to large voter turnout which suggests that voters crowded at polling stations to decide appropriately. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) revealed that 80% of the 1,037,684 people who had registered to vote turned up to exercise their right.It’s unfortunate that at the time of cobbling this editorial comment, results had just started trickling in. We recognise that...

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