Srinagar: As part of its ongoing commitment to environmental education and journalism excellence, Media Education Research Centre (MERC)-University of Kashmir in collaboration with the Centre for Media Studies New Delhi is organising a media engagement programme on “Wetlands for LIFE” for media students and scholars on May 7 and 8 at the main university campus in Srinagar.
A statement issued to the news agency CNS said that the two-day workshop aims to equip media academicians with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in wetlands conservation and environmental journalism. Through a series of engaging sessions, expert presentations, and field visits, participants will explore the ecological significance of wetlands, the role of media in advocating for their conservation, and effective storytelling techniques for environmental reporting.
The inaugural session will be addressed by Mr. T. Rabi Kumar, IFS, APCCF, J&K Forest Dept. and Chief Executive Director, WUCMA and Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Mr. Kirtiman Awasthi, GIZ, Senior Advisor and Team Leader, Wetlands Management for Biodiversity and Climate Protection Project, GIZ India. Ms. Annu Anand, Director Program Centre For Media Studies (CMS).
“The objective of the workshop is to provide aspiring journalists and media students with comprehensive insights into the significance of wetlands, their ecological importance, and the role of media in advocating for their conservation. With wetlands facing increasing threats from urbanization, pollution, and climate change, it is imperative for the media to play a proactive role in raising awareness and driving positive change,” said Ms Annu Anand, Director, CMS Programs.
The workshop includes a diverse range of sessions, interactive discussions, and hands-on activities, led by esteemed experts and practitioners in the field of environmental conservation and journalism.
“We at MERC are pleased to host yet another creative workshop for the betterment of research scholars and of our centre. The two day activity will provide audiences with a unique opportunity to learn about wetlands conservation and environmental journalism which is a need of the hour,” said Prof Sabeha Mufti, HoD, Media Education Research Centre (MERC), University of Kashmir.
The workshop is being coordinated by Dr. Afsana Rashid, Assistant Professor MERC and co-coordinated by Dr. Irfan Hashim, Lecturer MERC. During the workshop through expert presentations, interactive sessions, and field visits will be conducted “we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of journalists to become champions for environmental protection and sustainability” said Dr. Afsana.
At the end of the workshop, students will take a pledge to become “WertlandMitras” and promote wetlands conservation. They will also visit the Wular Vantage Park which has been designated a Wetland of international Importance under the Ramsar Conversation since 1990.
The program is supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and Deutsche Gesellschaftfür Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) under the BMUV-IKI Project on Wetlands Management for Biodiversity and Climate Protection, the statement added.
