WAMN, Partners To Hold Media Training On Wildlife

By Edwin G. Wandah
The West Africa Media Network (WAMN), in collaboration with the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation (WCF) will on Wednesday and Thursday October 16, and 17, 2019 conduct a Two-Day Training for Media Practitioners, Public Relations and Communications officers on conservation and protecting of wildlife and areas of media reportage.
According to a release from WAMN, the conservation of these species (wildlife) are very important. “Conservation of Wildlife is important to protect the endangered plants and animal species along with their natural habitat,” a release from WAMN stated.
“The main concern is to preserve the habitats so that the future generations of wildlife and even humans can enjoy it,” the release disclosed.
The release added that Protected Areas (PAs) designation is a key biodiversity conservation strategy, which delivers environmental goods and services that underpin human wellbeing and sustainable livelihoods and development.
In climate change responses, PAs can help build ecosystem resilience and contribute to global carbon sequestration.
The objectives of the training according to WAMN, is to train media practitioners (Reporters) in the area of Protected Areas (PA) reporting for livelihood security of rural communities living within and adjacent to Protected Areas (PA) in Liberia, understanding environmental education and awareness for the growth and development of society.
The training will also look at capacity building of reporters and communications officers on Protected Areas Education (PAE) and Awareness as well as understanding the definition of PA, Conservation, and Wildlife for effective communication and to maintain a network of Conservation and Wildlife Reporters.
The training which will take place beginning Wednesday, October 16 to Thursday, October 17, 2019 at the Golden Key Hotel in Paynesville, will bring together several Conservationists and Media experts to present on the importance of Wildlife Preservation.
During the workshop, the President of the Press Union of Liberia, Charles Coffy Jr. will make remarks along with a representative from the University of Liberia Mass Communication Department and the Managing Director FDA, C. Marks Doyen.
Dr. Annika Hillers, Country Director WCF Liberia, will present on the importance of Liberia’s Biodiversity and Natural Heritage to the growth and development of the country, while, FDA Abednego Gbarway will give a brief overview of the National Wildlife Conservation and Protected Areas Management Law.
For news gathering and reporting, Senyon Kieh, Instructor, Mass Communication Department at the University of Liberia (UL) will coordinate with the journalists.
Day-2 will be a Presentation on FDA Media Relation, Prospect and challenges within the Communications sector of the FDA, while a video documentation of wildlife and protected areas in Liberia will climax the workshop on Thursday.