tawandamusarurwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
THE media plays a critical role in addressing environmental and climate change challenges in Zimbabwe, stakeholders said during the recently-held 2024 Environmental Reporter of the Year Awards.
The event brought together journalists, policymakers, environmental advocates and private sector leaders to honor excellence in environmental journalism.
The Environmental Reporter of the Year Awards were founded by RTG and Environment Africa, and they have been running for the past 26 years.
The awards, this year supported by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the Forestry Commission, WestProp, and the Zimbabwe Environmental Lawyers Association (Zela) for some of the categories, celebrated journalists who have dedicated their craft to spotlighting environmental issues and advocating for sustainable solutions.
Said Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) corporate affairs and quality manager Pride Khumbula:
“Journalists are at the forefront of the sustainability movement. You expose illegal logging and mining. You celebrate stories of hope, such as reforestation and clean energy innovations.
“And you hold corporations, governments, and citizens accountable for the promises we make to protect this planet.”
With Zimbabwe facing increasing environmental challenges, including deforestation, illegal mining and the devastating effects of climate change, Khumbula said the media has a pivotal role in educating the public and influencing action.
“The work you do every day fuels action: it inspires policymakers to draft better legislation, challenges corporations to adopt ethical practices, and moves individuals to live more sustainably,” she added.
Private sector commitment to sustainability
Beyond the awards, Khumbula also showcased the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, aligning with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She detailed several initiatives undertaken by RTG, including, tree planting programmes.
RTG has planted 25 000 trees in 2024 through its “Tree for Every Room” initiative, with a target of 100 000 trees by 2026.
The group is also implementing green tourism practices, such as reducing its carbon footprint through solar energy.
The hotel group is also eliminating single-use plastics.
RTG recently earned recognition for these efforts, receiving the ESG Network Responsible Tourism and Social Impact Award.
Meanwhile, the awards’ adjudicators urged journalists to develop their capacities in covering environment and climate change issues.
“Journalists are encouraged to collaborate with environmental experts and organisations to enhance the credibility and depth of their reporting.
“We need to promote partnerships with environmental organisations to foster a more engaged and informed media landscape,” said the adjudicators in their report.
They added:
“While it is vital to report on challenges, we expect to see more stories highlighting success stories and solutions to environmental problems, fostering a narrative of hope and resilience.”
They also said journalists should engage more directly with affected communities to ensure their voices are central in environmental narratives.
Online Reporter