WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY: CELEBRATING ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM IN ZAMBIA

World Press Freedom Day falls annually on 3rd May. Today we commemorate it under the theme ‘A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of Environmental Crisis’. It emphasises the importance of the role of the press in climate protection advocacy. This theme is an acknowledgment of the positive impact of environmental journalism in our fast-changing world.??

We commend all journalists actively contributing to environmental activism. Their participation provides support to the recognition of environmental human rights in Zambia. They are environmental advocates calling for the protection of human rights and citizen participation in democracy and governance of the country. It is our hope that the media will keep enjoying the freedoms necessary to carry out their obligations. The government must continue to give journalists the space to disseminate information to the public.?

Like any form of activism, journalists publishing environmental news stories may face intimidation for drawing attention to environmental causes. For example, the defamation suit filed against News Diggers and its Managing Editor, Mukosha Funga for reporting on the alleged illegal sale of the indigenous Mukula. News of this illegal trade garnered attention of citizens from the numerous reports of a ‘cartel’ smuggling the tree logs out of Zambia.?

Like any form of activism, journalists publishing environmental news stories may face intimidation for drawing attention to environmental causes.

The infamous Forest 27 is another example of environmental journalism in Zambia. It was widely reported. The reports assisted advocacy efforts and contributed to having the area re-Gazetted by the government. Various news outlets published a list of alleged purchasers of portions within Forest 27. This saw backlash from members of the public from all over the country. Many citizens began calling for accountability and transparency on the status of the forest.??

In 2021, it was reported that Zambia Environmental Management Agency had permitted mining activities in the Lower Zambezi National Park. The media worked with civil society efforts to highlight the negative impacts the copper mine would have on the ecosystem of the park. The main impact would have been the pollution of the water source. This would have threatened the livelihood of the local community that relies on the water for fishing and farming. In 2023, ZEMA cancelled the permit thus putting a stop to mining activities in the Lower Zambezi National Park.?

A critical analysis of issues is key to good reporting of environmental news and affairs. This is because it is important that there is a clear link between the environment and other areas of life (social, economic, political, and policy in governance). Climate change can no longer be ignored. It is important that people understand the impact on our daily lives.?

A critical analysis of issues is key to good reporting of environmental news and affairs.

Reports on deforestation and the long-term effects of heavy reliance of charcoal as a source of energy have been and continue to be done by Zambian journalists. Discussions on this have highlight the plight of persons making charcoal for their livelihood against the need to report on the consequences of deforestation. Articles have also raised awareness on the negative impact of the use of the ‘Chitemene’ farming system and call for the implementation of more environmentally friendly farming methods, especially in rural areas.??

Currently, the El Nino has caused a drought in Zambia. This has negatively affected the production of hydroelectricity. The reduction in electricity has resulted in reduced productivity in multiple areas, particularly for small and medium enterprises. It has also contributed to the increase in electricity tariffs. The tariffs have been adjusted upwards because are importing power to support the country. Thus, increasing the cost of living.??

We celebrate the bravery of journalists and other media practitioners who are doing this by highlighting environmental causes important to the nation.??

There is overwhelming evidence of climate change. It is important that we acknowledge this and call for it to be treated with the seriousness and urgency it deserves. We celebrate the bravery of journalists and other media practitioners who are doing this by highlighting environmental causes important to the nation.??