24
2016
Journalists cover news related to climate change adaptation on a daily basis, and yet they often lack the basic conceptual understanding of the subject they write about.
To strengthen journalists understanding of climate change issues and their ability to report on climate change, from 24-29 January 2016, 19 media practitioners Myanmar’s broadcast and print media industries and Watershed Management Division Assistant Director U Aik Shin were brought together for a training devoted to climate change. A five-day learning experience was held at Nyaungshwe, Inlay, Shan State and covered the basics of climate change science, drivers of climate change, climate change adaptation, impacts of climate change and how journalists should report on the subject and other environmental issues.
The training was led by ICIMOD, MIID with presentations from experienced scientists and an experienced foreign journalist Jessica Mudditt. The last two days of the training included visits to two villages on Inlay Lake and the EU funded Himalica pilot sites where journalists saw first-hand environmental issues and spoke to community members to discuss their viewpoints.
The training programme was designed to promote journalists’ improved understanding on the concept of adaptation to change and develop skills for communicating the concept to grassroots stakeholders in Myanmar. This learning experience was part of the HIMALICA: Rural Livelihoods and Climate Change Adaptation project which is working with upland villages in this region to improve livelihoods, increase water access and better equip communities to address key issues and manage their natural resources.