JET to train journalists on combating wildlife crime reporting

Dar es Salaam. The journalists' Environmental Association of Tanzania (JET) has organised a two-day tailor-made training for journalists aimed at equipping them with sufficient knowledge on corridor conservation issues, particularly combating illegal forest crime, wildlife crime, climate change, gender, and biodiversity conservation.

The training, which includes 20 journalists from media houses in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, will be held in Bagamoyo District, Coast Region, starting February 15, 2024.

JET Director John Chikomo told The Citizen on February 13 that the training is part of the Tuhifadhi Maliasili (Preserve Natural Resources) project supported by USAID.

The Tuhifadhi Maliasili Activity is a five-year initiative addressing threats to animal movement and biodiversity in Tanzania.

Through this training, journalists will be equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to conduct investigative reporting on biodiversity conservation and climate change issues, Mr Chikomo noted.

He added that journalists are expected to gain the capacity and knowledge of corridor conservation issues to effectively investigate, report, and analyse wildlife connectivity, marine and forest conservation, trafficking and poaching, as well as the promotion of wildlife conservation and tourism issues.

Mr Chikomo emphasised that aside from creating networks by linking journalists with conservation stakeholders at various levels, the training aims to enhance the quality of stories on corridors, wildlife connectivity, and biodiversity conservation matters.

"Beyond merely creating networks, journalists will play a pivotal role in improving the narrative surrounding corridors, wildlife connectivity, and biodiversity conservation matters," Mr Chikomo said.

The Tuhifadhi Maliasili project has identified and intervened in seven key wildlife corridors across Tanzania, including the Kwakuchinja Corridor, Kigosi Moyowosi-Burigi Chato Corridor, Nyerere Selous-Udzungwa Corridor and Amani-Nilo Corridor. Others are the Ruaha Rungwa-Katavi Corridor, the Ruaha Rungwa-Inyonga Corridor, and the Mahale-Katavi Corridor.

Each corridor is addressed through a nuanced approach tailored to its specific functionality status, defined by three key strategies: Secure, Protect, and sustain.

Chikomo underscored the importance of the training in equipping journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct investigative reporting on biodiversity conservation and climate change issues.

"Through the USAID Tuhifadhi Maliasili Activity, JET will create an enabling environment for journalists to investigate and report adequately on conservation issues," he affirmed.

Furthermore, Mr Chikomo highlighted the critical role of journalists in facilitating an open and transparent flow of information from citizens to decision-makers and other stakeholders.

With the acquired investigative, reporting, and analytical skills, journalists are poised to generate reliable and regular coverage of corridors, wildlife connectivity, and other biodiversity conservation issues.

The collaboration between JET and USAID signifies a significant step forward in leveraging the power of journalism to address pressing environmental challenges, ensuring a sustainable future for Tanzania's rich natural heritage.