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Environment journalists to be awarded
2006-06-24 10:59:18
By Angel Navuri
Journalists Environmental Association of Tanzania (JET) has introduced Environment of the Year Award to honour scribes who cover the subject.
The annual event will be held on June 5 to coincide with the World Environment Day. However, this year, the fete will be held on August 8.
Making the announcement, JET Chairman, Deodatus Mfugale said, through the award, the association ’’seeks to stimulate interest among journalists to report about the environment as often as possible, correctly and accurately.’’
The award winner will pocket 2m/-, a trophy and a certificate.
Mfugale noted the introduction of the award scheme was informed by the fact that environmental reporting was a young field in the country which requires nurturing.
’’The award will thus be a way to recognise and honour a journalist who would be outstanding in reporting environmental issues,’’ said the chairman during a press conference yesterday.
JET, the chairman said, had also introduced the award in a bid to support the government’s pledge to stead up public awareness on environmental conservation for the well being of Tanzania and posterity.
’’The best way to educate the public is through the media, which can mobilise the people to participate actively in conservation activities.
The award is also aimed at holding mining companies, industrialists, investors, cities, municipals and town councils responsible for environmental destruction that takes place in their areas of jurisdiction.
’We want to highlight areas that have been environmentally abused and so need special efforts to rehabilitate them urgently,’’ the chairman said.
According to JET, the award scheme is to foster sub-regional and regional co-operation in woes afflicting the environment.
Mfugale noted that environment issues transcend national borders and therefore, required concerted efforts to tackle.
’’By introdung the award JET also seeks to raise the attention and attract the participation of the international community in the conservation of the country’s environment through research, training and technology transfer, among others,’’ observed Mfugale.
The competition for the ward is open to all journalists- employed and freelance. However, this year, the competition is only open for print category. Other categories will be included next year.
Entries must been written in both English and Swahili and must have been published in the local newspapers between July 1, 2005 and July 15, 2006. The entries can be sent by mail.
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