PACIFIC journalists have been given a fresh reminder of their role in disseminating critical information.
This first cohort of journalists are attending the inaugural Regional Loss and Damage Media training from May 19 to May 21 at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) Pacific Climate Change Centre at Vailima in Samoa.
In his opening address, SPREP director general Sefanaia Nawadra said Pacific leaders have referred to loss and damage as an existential issue.
“Something that is the highest priority in the region and something we all need to address,” Mr Nawadra said.
“And a big part of that mainstreaming and bringing it into the attention of our people, our government and our public is the media.”
Mr Nawadra said those who worked in the field sometimes were not really comfortable working with the media.
“But it is something we have grown to have a working relationship and partnership with.”
Mr Nawadra said SPREP had taken the initiative to connect with the media on environmental issues.
“Because we recognise the key role that you play in keeping our people informed, especially our politicians and our leaders.
“When they go to these important global meetings and negotiations, we who work in the area understand why they are there.
“We know the importance but for the public in their own countries, their constituencies and the voting public that is very important for them, often don’t understand.
“And they (politicians) come under a lot of criticism of why they are spending three weeks away, when they should be doing important work in their own countries.”
Mr Nawadra said people needed to understand that sometimes the most important work was being done away from our region.
” I guess there is no one better to inform them than our own media and our own people who work in communications.
“And that is why we have tried to invest time and effort and just getting our media people fully informed, fully enabled.”
The second secretary at the New Zealand High Commission in Samoa, Jonathan Lee, said they were proud to support Pacific Island Countries.
“At COP 27, New Zealand pledged $20million to support activities in responding to loss and damage in the Pacific,” Mr Lee said.
“Additionally, in COP 29 last year, New Zealand pledged $10m.
“We know the media plays a critical role in addressing climate change loss and damage as front line witnesses to the impacts of rising sea levels, extreme weather and the ecosystem disruption.
“Pacific journalists are uniquely positioned to document and communicate these realities to the cultural sensitivity and urgency.”
The three-day training is funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)and facilitated by SPREP.
