Enviro reporting lags behind: Minister

ENVIRONMENTAL journalism lags behind other topical issues and there is a shortage of environmental journalists in Namibia, according to Environment and Tourism Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

Her speech was delivered by her Permanent Secretary, Kalumbi Shangula, at the first workshop for environmental journalists held by the Ministry at Swakopmund on Monday and Tuesday.The Minister was in the United States for official business. About 15 reporters participated.The aim of the workshop was to advance reporters’ knowledge of Namibia’s environmental issues and enhance objective reporting skills in order to successfully create awareness about the environment.In her statement, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the objective of environmental governance is securing the right to a clean environment and promoting sustainable development. ‘This right is related to the right of life, good health and well-being,’ she said.Further, the role of environmental reporters is to inform the public about threats to the environment on local, regional and national level, while it is also their duty to suggest possible solutions to environmental problems.’In order for the Ministry to achieve our sustainable natural resource management objectives, we need to work hand in hand with our journalists in disseminating information to a wide public,’ said Nandi-Ndaitwah. ‘I believe that by informing the public, the journalist plays a vital role in empowering citizens to take actions to protect the environment.’She said there are only a few Namibian journalists specialising in this critical field and there is room for improvement in the quality and depth of media coverage.Some of the topics presented by environmental experts included an overview of the Ministry’s functions, ministry-media relations, the Environmental Management Act, the establishment of the greater Coastal National Park, and a review of the draft Management and Development Plan for the Central Coast.Other topics included the development of eco-tourism, monitoring and management of waste, climate change and the rehabilitation of the environment, and the importance of conservation sites. – adam@namibian.com.na