By Noel Chimwala & Young Fombe

Zomba, March 16, Mana: Media practitioners from various media houses have been urged to take a leading role in ensuring climate justice by advocating for implementation of legal frameworks that safeguard the environment and protect vulnerable communities.

Aaron Kandiwo Mtaya, Programmes Officer for Catholic Development Commission (CADECOM), made the call in Zomba during a one-day training on climate and seed justice.

“The media has an essential role in achieving climate justice and this training's focus is on amplifying communities' voices to spur action on climate change management,” said Mtaya.

Mtaya expects the trained journalists to document climate injustices in their districts and share them with the public to drive more action in addressing the issues.

Journalists have been empowered with knowledge on climate justice, legal environmental strategies and their responsibility to educate communities on the impact of climate injustices on human rights.

He, therefore, encouraged communities to intensify efforts in mitigating climate change and protecting the environment.

Holyce Kholowa, a participant from The Nation Publications Limited, praised the training for equipping journalists with accurate reporting skills on climate justice saying this will enable them advocate effectively.

CADECOM with support from Irish Aid, through Trocaire, is implementing a five-year advocacy programme as part of the Irish Aid Civil Society Support Programme.

The programme aims to enhance the capacity of women and youth to engage effectively in policy and climate change processes.