ARUSHA: ENVIRONMENTAL news writers in the Northern and Central Regions have been urged to write investigative stories that stimulate changes in laws and policies and promote accountability.
The call was made during a training for environmental journalists organised by the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Network (THRDC) in collaboration with the Media Institute for Indigenous Communities (MAIPAC).
Speaking at the event, Director of the Union of Tanzanian Press Clubs (UTPC), Mr Kenneth Simbaya and MAIPAC Director, Mr Mussa Juma, said the era of merely reporting incidents is over.
Mr Simbaya said modern journalism should go beyond daily news reporting and aim to inspire policy and legal reforms.
“THRDC and MAIPAC have organised this training so that you can write environmental investigative stories that bring change while respecting ethics,” he said.
Mr Juma, while encouraging accountability-focused reporting, emphasised the importance of considering ethics, traditions and culture in journalism.
“Let’s write news that highlights gaps in policies, regulations and laws, but also encourages public participation in decision making,” he said.
On reporting about Indigenous communities, Mr Juma urged journalists to respect local customs and leaders and avoid publishing stories without the consent of the community or individuals.
ALSO READ: Journalists safeguard Tanzania’s unity, enduring Union
“There has been a trend of journalists visiting Indigenous communities like the Hadzabe, taking photographs and writing stories without the consent or understanding of the people involved,” he said.
He added that journalists should avoid language that humiliates or belittles Indigenous people and ensure communities have the opportunity to express themselves.
During the training, journalists were encouraged to investigate the impacts of climate change on marginalised communities and the emerging land conflicts.
On the issue of safety, Lawyer Paul Kisabo urged journalists to conduct security assessments and take precautions before reporting.
He also highlighted key news and environmental laws that journalists should know and apply in their work.
The training was attended by 35 journalists from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Tanga, Singida, Dodoma and Manyara regions.
Sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), similar sessions are planned for the Lake Zone, Eastern and Coastal Zones and Zanziba