The role of the media in the fight against climate change debated in Laos

The role of the media in the fight against climate change debated in Laos

As part of Media21 project fringe activities, and just a few weeks before COP21 in Paris, Eric Glover, the journalist and scientist – CFI project lead in Myanmar – was in Laos to take part in the Research on Climate Change Days, which took place from 22 to 27 October 2015. Here is his report…

"In the course of these discussion days, it was my intention to contribute my expertise in the form of my combined scientific knowledge and journalist's approach.

During the 'high-level panel discussion' led by the EU Delegation Head, Michel Goffin, with the participation of the Deputy Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources, Ms Nhoybouakong, I pointed to the significance of communication and education in effective implementation of all the measures presented - these were aspects mentioned by all those involved.

I concluded that professional media are vital to the success of Laos' policy in the form of its INDC (Intended Nationally Determined Contribution) for COP21 in Paris. I encouraged local journalists to go out into the field at the earliest opportunity, to see how projects are faring and to raise people's awareness and to encourage everyone to take part, particularly via radio broadcasts, since it is this latter medium that is particularly suited to a country such as Laos.

I also tackled the tricky subject of press freedom in Laos, linking this to the success of the country's environmental policy. Last of all, I led a workshop on COP21 for Lao journalists."

Recent news from projects on the ground