05 May 2024

Through in-depth reporting and analysis, the media helps explain complex environmental issues, scientific findings and policy debates in a way that is accessible to the general public. 

Such empowers individuals to make more informed decisions and take action to protect the environment, Ministry of Environment and Tourism acting permanent secretary, Ms Chandapiwa Sebeela said in her address in a panel discussion during World Press Freedom Day celebration at UB Conference Centre. 

Ms Sebeela perceived the media as a tool that had the power to shape public opinion on environmental issues by framing stories and representing different perspectives. 

By promoting a greater understanding of environmental challenges, the media can help build public support for environmental protection measures.

 She said the theme: A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis, was more befitting for this year’s celebration because over the years, the media had been critical in disseminating information of the environment. 

She emphasised, continued efforts and collaboration between government, private sector, media, civil society and communities as essential to ensure sustainable development and conservation of the country’s natural resources. 

‘There are still challenges however, such as water scarcity, land degradation, human/wildlife conflict, environmental pollution and climate change impacts,” Ms Sebeela said. 

Botswana, she said, had made efforts to promote conservation, sustainable natural resource management and build climate resilience. 

She singled out anti-poaching, saying government had strengthened measures to combat illegal wildlife trade, to protect endangered species .

Also, she said government had deployed anti-poaching units, invested in wildlife monitoring technologies and collaborated with international partners to address poaching threats. 

University of Botswana’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr Faith Rapuleng-Tuelo said World Press Freedom day sought to highlight the importance of journalism on environmental issues. 

She said the theme challenged the media to a collective action to approach environmental challenges from a multispectral tactic. 

She also perceived the panel discussion as a critical aspect that navigated the complexities of environmental reporting and press freedom in a rapidly changing world. 

Ministry for State President, deputy permanent secretary- media, Mr Oshinka Tsiang said government was the largest player in training journalists and a major stakeholder with regard to regulation and policy making. ends