Advocacy group calls for stronger media role in environmental protection

Local climate justice advocacy group the Network for Environmental and Climate Justice (NECJ) has called for greater media involvement in environmental protection and advocacy.

In a statement to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day under the theme “A press for the planet: journalism in the face of the environmental crisis”, NECJ Zimbabwe highlighted the crucial role of the media in influence policies on environmental issues and keep authorities accountable.

“The NECJ reiterates the important role of the media in raising public awareness and influencing policy on environmental issues. This involves creating an enabling environment for the media to effectively play its vital role in raising public awareness, communicating risks, holding authorities to account and promoting good environmental practices.

“As NECJ, we strongly believe in the media’s ability to raise awareness and influence policy on environmental protection, hence our continued efforts to create synergies between local communities and mainstream media,” NECJ said.

According to NECJ Zimbabwe, creating synergies between local communities and mainstream media is essential to ensure the flow of information and influence political decisions.

“This is essential to ensure the flow of information between local communities and duty bearers, as well as to influence policies that ensure sustainable use of the environment. As local communities in various areas of Zimbabwe continue to grapple with a range of environmental issues, NECJ appreciates the role of the media in acting as the voice of the voiceless,” the advocacy group said.

The network also highlights the importance of integrating information and communication technologies and environmental awareness campaigns, particularly in the digital age. As part of its efforts, NECJ Zimbabwe is carrying out campaigns to train and recruit citizen journalists in various communities to ensure the flow of information on environmental issues.

While appreciating the efforts of the Government of Zimbabwe and its Development Partners in addressing the environmental crisis, NECJ Zimbabwe reaffirms the critical role that the media can play in this regard.

They highlight that press freedom is essential to allow the media to amplify environmental issues and advocate for sustainable environmental practices.