UNDP Armenia
Regional journalists covering desertification hot spots in Armenia receive
awards from UN and OSCE offices in Armenia and Ecolur NGO
16.02.2007
Yerevan, Armenia–Twelve journalists from four regions of Armenia received
best coverage awards and certificates in the UN Armenia office today within
the framework of the media contest announced in 2006 titled `Desertification
hot spots in Armenia’.
Twelve others received certificates of participation and encouragement gifts
for their special professional attention and materials provided on the
desertification issue.
The main aim of this contest was to enhance the improvement and the level of
professionalism, knowledge and skills of journalists from Armenian provinces
who cover issues related to environment protection.
Considering the fact that 2006 had been announced as the International Year
of Deserts and Desertification United Nations Communications Group (UNCG) in
Armenia in cooperation with UNDP, and OSCE Office in Yerevan organized a
Media Contest dedicated to land degradation and desertification issues in
Armenia.
This initiative also corresponds to the theme of the OSCE 15th Economic and
Environmental Forum Key Challenges to Ensure Environmental Security and
Sustainable Development in the OSCE Area: Land Degradation, Soil
Contamination and Water Management. The professional implementation of the
project was led by Ecolur information NGO.
Thus, a capacity building programme for journalists was carried out in
Aarhus centres of Syunik (Goris and Kapan towns), Lori (Vanadzor city) and
Tavush (Ijevan) and additionally in Gegharkunik (Gavar and Sevan towns).
Media tours were also organized to visit the Lake Sevan basin, the Syunik
region and northern forests of Lori and Tavush.
About 30 regional and Yerevan journalists participated to these events and
correspondingly to the contest. A professional jury assessed the submitted
print and electronic media materials and 12 winners were identified in two
categories: print media and electronic media. The jury highlighted the
efforts of regional journalists and encouraged their professional engagement
in covering environmental issues.
The journalists were awarded according to the total scores given to each of
them by the jury, and the awards varied based on the established criteria.
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