The Media Aid for Indigenous and Pastoralist Community(MAIPAC) in collaboration with THRDC has launched training for environmental journalists in the Lake Zone aimed at strengthening their reporting skills and improving their understanding of environmental laws.
The training, held in Mwanza, brought together 35 journalists from different media houses across the Lake Zone.
It is part of an ongoing capacity-building programme supported by UNESCO, which previously conducted similar training for journalists in the Northern Zone.
The organisers said the initiative is designed to equip reporters with the knowledge and skills needed to produce accurate, in-depth, and impactful environmental stories.
Opening the training session, Halima Sonda urged journalists to focus on investigative reporting on environmental issues to help communities better understand and respond to environmental challenges.
She noted that many communities continue to suffer from the effects of environmental degradation and stressed that journalists have a key role in raising awareness and promoting accountability.
She added that through strong reporting, journalists can support efforts to reduce environmental harm and push for stronger policies that protect vulnerable communities.
Speaking during the training, Mussa Juma Siwayombe provided insights into environmental journalism, encouraging reporters to identify the root causes of environmental degradation and highlight possible solutions.
He explained that environmental reporting covers a wide range of issues, including climate change, pollution, drought, wildlife conservation, agriculture, and sustainable land use planning.
Siwayombe, who also serves as the National Chairperson of the Journalists Union (JOWUTA), emphasized that journalists should focus on producing well-researched investigative stories that can drive policy change and help protect communities affected by environmental challenges.
He added that MAIPAC and THRDC are committed to supporting journalists to achieve meaningful results through their reporting.
“We are here to support you so that you can fulfil your responsibility effectively and produce impactful work,” he said.
Legal expert Paul Kisabo also addressed the participants, guiding them on the legal frameworks that govern environmental protection.
He encouraged journalists to familiarize themselves with environmental laws to enhance professionalism and avoid legal challenges in their work.
Kisabo assured journalists that those reporting on environmental issues would receive legal support whenever they face professional difficulties.
He also highlighted the important role of journalists in public interest advocacy, including the possibility of taking legal matters to court when necessary to protect community rights.
Veteran journalist Edwin Soko reminded participants of their responsibility as voices for the voiceless, urging them to uphold ethics and professionalism while reporting on sensitive environmental issues.
The training programme for the 35 journalists is part of a broader national initiative that will continue in other zones across the country, with the aim of strengthening environmental journalism and improving public awareness on sustainability issues.
