Developing Capacity for the Media of Tomorrow: Wetlands Training Programme for Media Students

22 Feb, 2024

Wetland conservation thrives on inclusive, community-driven initiatives and the media has an essential role in enhancing public awareness through wetland narratives in media coverage. Aimed at equipping future media personnel with the necessary knowledge and skills on wetlands, a Media Engagement Programme has been launched by the BMUV-IKI Wetlands project in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

A series of training workshops, ‘Framing Wetlands: Media Student Capacity Building Programme’, are being organised in project states for media studies and journalism students with the Centre for Media Studies (CMS) as technical implementation partner. At the heart of the programme is the objective to unlock the potential within media students to tell compelling wetland stories. Through content-rich sessions and discussions, participants are guided on the journey of environmental journalism and storytelling.

Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism & Communication
(Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 22-23 February 2024)

The series was kicked off with a training workshop hosted at the prestigious Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The workshop engaged 52 budding journalists and 16 distinguished faculty members. Additionally, the workshop saw 42 students committing to the role of ‘Wetland Mitra’, echoing the Save Wetlands Campaign’s call for community-driven conservation efforts. This commitment, symbolised through a ceremony, was combined with field visits to the Jal Tarang Wetland Interpretation Centre and Bhoj Wetland.

Media Education Research Centre (MERC), University of Kashmir
(Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, 7-8 May 2024)

The 2^nd workshop of the series was co-hosted with the Media Education Research Centre (MERC) at University of Kashmir, with Professor Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, inaugurating the workshop with a special address emphasising on the significance of wetlands of Kashmir and the urgency of action required to halt their decline. The workshop held diverse range of sessions, interactive discussions, and hands-on activities led by esteemed experts and practitioners.

On day 2, the cohort of 60 media students, scholars and faculty embarked on a field visit to Wular Lake, the largest freshwater lake in India which plays a significant role in the well-being of people in Kashmir valley. Mr Owais Farooq Mir, Project Coordinator, Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) had a lively interaction with the students while informing about the wetland’s significance, ongoing restoration efforts and few encouraging signs such as rare duck species (Smews & Long-tailed Ducks) spotted after 84 years at Wular.

Embedded within the broader ‘Wetlands for LiFE Forum & Film Festival’, these media workshops represent a continuous effort to wetland conservation awareness among citizens and magnify the media’s influence in championing such causes. It’s a step forward in nurturing an informed and proactive community, essential for achieving sustainable development goals and honouring India’s climate targets.

The training brought together 52 budding journalists and 16 distinguished faculty members| ©GIZ India

Participants engaged in solving a quiz on wetlands | ©GIZ India

Participants during the field visit, locating the Sarus Crane | ©GIZ India

Media workshop in Srinagar inaugurated by Professor Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, and brough together over 60 media students, scholars and faculty members. | © MERC, Kashmir University

Interaction with Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) on management interventions at Wular Lake | ©GIZ India

Field visit to Wular Lake | ©MERC, Kashmir University

About the project

The Wetlands Management for Biodiversity and Climate Protection project aims to strengthen the institutional framework and capacities for an ecosystem-based integrated management of wetlands of international importance (Ramsar sites) in India. Four Ramsar sites have been selected as pilot sites under the project: Pong Dam and Renuka Lake in Himachal Pradesh, Bhitarkanika Mangroves in Odisha, and the Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. The project is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in close cooperation with the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA). This project is part of the International Climate Initiative (IKI). The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) supports this initiative on the basis of a decision adopted by the German Bundestag. Read More

For more information contact: biodiv.india@giz.de