Karachi – Karachi, as a large metropolis, is struggling with significant environmental problems arising from poor water quality and solid waste management systems. A growing urban population and rapid industrialization exacerbate this problem, requiring rapid action and sustainable solutions to protect public health and the environment.
“Investigative and evidence-based journalism is an important tool in Pakistan’s environmental reporting arsenal,” said Syed Masood Raza, Secretary General of GNMI at the 3-day Sabz Journalism Environmental Reporting Workshop, organized by the Global Neighborhood for Media Innovation (GNMI) in collaboration with the Department of American United States, Karachi “Ethical practices are the basis for environmental reporting while holding journalists to the highest standards of integrity,” he said.
Chief Conservator of Sindh Wildlife Department Javed Mahar Ahmed emphasized the important role of informed journalists in effectively educating the public on environmental issues. A comprehensive understanding of geography and anthropology is essential to better understand neighborhood density, he said. Ahmed advocates an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex relationship between the environment and biodiversity.
Led by senior environmental journalist Afia Salam, the course is aimed at empowering mid-level journalists, digital content producers and filmmakers on various media platforms. This course includes various aspects, including environmental protection, differentiating climate and environmental issues, adopting a data-driven and analytical approach to storytelling, learning digital storytelling techniques, and effective ways to share content. Practical training focused on incorporating environmental aspects into the regular reporting process to improve the storytelling skills of the participants.
The program featured sessions led by renowned experts such as Ayaz Khan, founder of MoJo Pakistan and Hasan Meer, digital marketing and monetization expert. Fellows gain valuable insight and knowledge from these digital experts in creating digital content and using effective digital marketing techniques. This will enable the creation or strengthening of online reporting platforms for environmental reporting.
Karachi’s Dawn, Samaa TV, Jang News, ARY News, Geo News, Aaj TV, Neo TV, 24 News, Radio Pakistan, Soch Media, Dialogue Pakistan, colleagues from reputed media houses like Sindh Express-News, Gwadar e Tawar and other freelance . journalists and filmmakers participated in the event.
The program also seeks to promote data-driven and analytical reporting, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable development through the production and dissemination of climate-focused content on digital media platforms.
GNMI is a registered, non-profit media development organization that promotes social impact through the use of innovative media and technology. The organization uses advanced literacy programs and conducts rights-based advocacy campaigns on media platforms for sustainable, innovative and empowering solutions. Supported by the United States Department of State, the Sabz Journalism Fellowship Program is committed to improving the quality and volume of environmental reporting in Pakistan.
