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AMARC stresses role of communicators in climate change adaptation |
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Wednesday, 09 September 2009 14:50 |
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 | At the recent 'International Conference on Broadcast Media and Climate Change: A Public Service Remit' the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC) called for greater recognition of the vital role of local and community communication in climate change adaptation. WACC has also stressed the importance of local media initiatives in identifying climate-related challenges and exploring community-based solutions. Visit here.
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The conference heard how community radio has been playing an important role in monitoring and aware-raising on the effects of climate change and environmental degradation. “Community media are the frontline reporters in climate change” said Steve Buckley, President of AMARC, speaking to the Conference. “Much greater emphasis is needed on the role of frontline reporters – building local capacity, through access to training and equipment to sustain their vital work, strengthening a network for knowledge sharing and exchange, and assisting bring their stories to global audiences.”
The International Conference held 4-5 September 2009 in Paris, France, was organised by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), regional broadcasting unions as well as AMARC and other international broadcasting organisations, to consider the crucial role and potential of the media in raising public awareness on the challenge of climate change.
AMARC has been building the capacity of the community radio sector to strengthen the voices of the grassroots to face the challenge of climate change. In the Americas, working with the United Nations Environment Programme to develop training materials on environmental awareness for community radio reporters. In Africa by working with the Food and Agriculture Organisation on campaigns to promote food security.
In Asia, AMARC has been working to reinforce disaster response systems for community broadcasting at grassroots level. AMARC will be bringing in December 2009 a team of reporters from community media to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (COP 15) to reinforce awareness on this global challenge.
Through service to members, networking and project implementation, the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters AMARC, brings together a network of more than 4,000 community radios, federations and community media stakeholders in more than 115 countries. Visit http://www.amarc.org
For proceedings and further information visit here.
To read the full of AMARC President, Steve Buckley’s presentation, visit here.
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