Muluzi presents Green Media Awards to Malawi environmental journalists

Association for Environmental Journalists in Malawi (AEJ) has recognised 10 best Print and Electronic journalists for their outstanding performance in reporting issues of environment in its newly introduced Green Media Awards.

Speaking during the presentation of the Awards on Friday in Blantyre, Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Atupele Muluzi said journalists have a role to make Malawians more knowledgeable on environmental issues and transform their attitudes and mind set towards the environment and natural resources.

“The media has a central role in advocating and informing the public about sustainable practices through investigative journalism and sustainable reporting,” he said.

He therefore assured of his ministry’s full support  to the association to ensure that the general public is well informed about environmental management issues.

AEJ President Emmanuel Muwamba said the association analyse environmental issues as a way of raising critical awareness to the public at the same time seeking attention and redress from policy makers.

“Protection of the environment is the cornerstone for advancing development and combating poverty in Malawi,” he said.

Adding that for those unwilling to acknowledge the connection, they need to realise that many sectors in Malawi depend on an intact and well-functioning environment for food production, tourism and energy generation.

He however said the association support the adoption of the Go Green Campaign which government is championing as an agenda to conserve the country’s environment hence the introduction of the awards.

Some of the media practioners awarded include Charles Mkoka a freelance journalist, Ephraim Nyondo from Nations Publications, Isaac Jali from Times Group, Grace Khombe from Zodiak, Enock Balakasi from Joy radio, Semion Shumba from 101fm, Chinsinsi from Capital radio .

The association has also recognised late Grover Mzumara for his achievements in issues of environment.