MDC concludes environmental journalism training course in Gaza

The Media Development Center at Birzeit University concluded an advanced training course in environmental journalism at its headquarters in Gaza. The training, which was attended by 24 journalists from Gazan newspapers, media agencies, and radio and TV stations, was presented by Ahmad Helles, a consultant and expert in water and environmental issues.

The 36-hour training course, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), aimed to introduce participants to and raise their awareness of environmental issues. The course also presented the dangers of environmental issues and familiarized participants with the relevant environmental terminology to better address such an important topic.

The course included a field trip to the main wastewater treatment plant in Gaza, in cooperation with Gaza Municipality; the point at which the Gaza Valley meets the sea; fish farms; the seawater desalination plant west of Deir al-Balah, in cooperation with the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility; and the largest solid waste landfill in Gaza, situated near Johor Al Deek. The trip broadened the journalists’ horizons with regard to the working environments, achievements, and inherent dangers of these facilities.

An environmental journalism social media campaign, which launches on February 12, will follow the trip, and additional training in environmental journalism will be led by Fathi Sabbah for journalists who attended the prior training course. Journalists will then publish and release a number of special environmental reports and stories.