Patna Hosts Regional Media Consultation Programme on ‘Wetlands for Life’

Patna:  The Centre for Media Studies (CMS) in New Delhi launched a regional media consultation programme on ‘Wetlands for Life’ today in Patna. The event, inaugurated by Dr. Prem Kumar, Bihar’s Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, aims to enhance journalists’ understanding and reporting on wetland conservation.

Dr. Prem Kumar emphasized that the ‘Wetlands for Life’ initiative is part of the broader ‘Wetlands Management for Biodiversity and Climate Conservation’ project, implemented by IKI-BMUV and MoEF&CC at GIZ India. This initiative includes the ‘Wetlands for Life’ Film Festival and Forum and capacity-building workshops for journalism students. The primary goal of the media consultation is to equip journalists with the knowledge and skills to communicate the complexities of wetland conservation to the public accurately and effectively.

The workshop featured discussions led by experts from leading institutions and the state government on various aspects of wetlands, particularly in the context of Bihar. On the second day, participants will visit Debkhal Chaur in Samastipur, followed by a panel discussion with various stakeholders to integrate wetland issues into mainstream discourse.

Ms. Annu Anand, Director of CMS Programmes, highlighted the workshop’s aim to provide journalists with a comprehensive understanding of the ecological significance of wetlands and the media’s role in 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,” she said.

Dr. P.N. Vasanthi, Director General of CMS, stated that information journalism has the potential to bring about change. “This consultation is a step towards creating a group of media professionals who are not only aware of environmental issues but can also report on them effectively.”

The event was attended by representatives from leading media houses and other prominent institutions.