THE BALTIC: A DYING SEA

The gap between information and action

A Media21 journalist workshop during the Probalt Conference

With the collaboration of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs

Editors, journalists and producers from countries around the Baltic Sea may apply for a highly interactive and practically-oriented journalist workshop from September 14-20, 2009 including a field excursion. The theme to be discussed in the Probalt Conference scheduled in Gdansk will be the pollution (eutrophication) of the Baltic Sea. This will be an exceptionally useful forum for journalists interested in a more global and crosscutting perspective of environmental challenges to share experience and practices, interacting with players from different sectors: gouvernments, private sector, NGOs, experts. The problem is by far not merely a question of science and knowledge. Media professionals will also focus on the societal conditions for more effective environmental protection, the issue of governance and the mix of socio-economic, political cultural and other factors. They may also explore the roles of the media in developing a political capacity to rescue the Baltic Sea.

Organized by the Geneva-based Media21 Global Journalism Network with the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, this workshop is part of Media21’s ongoing series on “global themes,” notably climate change, sustainable development, water, health, peace building, migration, corporate social responsibility... Participating journalists will take part in specially-tailored panel sessions in Gdansk, but will have time to do their own reporting. They automatically become part of the Media21 Global Journalist Network, which seeks to bring together all players involved with “global issues” from around the world. The Network (more than 1000 members so far) enables partner organizations such as UNDP, WMO, IUCN, Tufts University, Pullitzer Center for Crisis Reporting etc. to contribute toward improving public awareness by working more closely with a better informed and credible media.

Application deadline is August 15^th 2009. Twenty full grants are available, but journalists whose organizations wish to cover their own costs are also welcome. The selection will be made according to the date of application, knowledge and interest on the issue, commitment to publish or broadcast at least two stories, geographical and gender balance. The command of English as a working language during the workshop is also a condition, even though stories are published/broadcast in the home language. Journalists from “non Baltic” countries may also apply, but have to find their own support.

Contact

Flavio Lucchesi, resource coordinator ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Media21, 9 rue du Valais, CH-1202 Geneva, Switzerland

tél +41 22 901 33 33 – fax +41 22 901 33 30