A Seminar on Communicating Environmental issues through the media, Mumbai

26 May, 2017

Organized under the CMPA project, At St Pauls Institute of Communication Education, Bandra (W), Mumbai

A Seminar on “Communicating Environmental Issues through the Media”, was organized on Friday, May 26, 2017. The seminar was organized as part of the on-going cooperation programme between St Paul Institute of Communication Education Mumbai and GIZ on ”Communicating Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Conservation”, under the CMPA project, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB).

The Speakers were renowned Media Environmentalists and Environmental Journalist from Mumbai. Participants were the Science and Media faculty and students of Mumbai.

Daryl D’Monte, Chairman Emeritus of the Forum of Environmental Journalists in India (FEJI) and Founder President of the International Federation of Environmental Journalist (IFEJ) spoke on the proposed Coastal Road for the city of Mumbai and its possible environmental consequences. D’Monte highlighted the fact that more and more European cities are ‘pedestrianising’ and are trying to stop the use of private transport.

Anand Castelino, Vice-President of the Bombay Catholic Sabha, the second Speaker, spoke on Protecting Mangroves. He listed the advantages of Mangroves, saying that Mangroves balance the eco system; plant, fish and aqua life depended on mangroves; it is a potential for tourism as it will attract tourists to enjoy the natural habitat and it acts as a buffer between land and sea.

Castelino asked the audience to take up programmes to create awareness by celebrating Mangroves conservation day on July 26th, and joining groups like Van Shakti and River Manch groups.

The third Speaker Fr Savio Silveria, Director GreenLine, Don Bosco environmental organization focused on citizen engagement in conservation of trees in a coastal city like Mumbai. He said it was necessary for everyone to get involved and motivate others too, in this fight to save the trees and the environment.

The session ended with all resolving to do their bit in contributing to preserving the environment.Diana Jose, ably moderated the session, and Margaret da Costa, the Course Director of Advertising & IMC, was the Chief-Coordinator of the seminar.

For further details, please contact Dr Neeraj Khera at neeraj.khera@giz.de