AJM and UNDP: The second training for journalists on dealing with air pollution was held

The Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) within the framework of the project “Dealing with air pollution” from June 17 to 19 held the second two-day training for journalists on the topic “Dealing with air pollution” air – strengthening public awareness of problems and possible solutions” in Veles.

During the training, the participants had the opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills on topics related to air pollution and the role of journalists in the fight for cleaner air, key terms and understanding of the process of air pollution analysis, the impact of air pollution on human health, environment and the role of journalists in raising public awareness, journalism based on the analysis of air pollution data, the need for cooperation with civil society organizations and local government, techniques of investigative journalism when reporting on air pollution, as well as the importance of a multimedia approach in telling stories about air pollution.

The training was conducted by experienced journalists with extensive experience in environmental monitoring and reporting, along with experts from Gotse Delchev University in Shtip, which houses the accredited air quality measurement laboratory.

Prof. Dr. Dejan Mirakovski presented the techniques and devices for measuring pollution in the air, this time with a focus on the ambient air in closed spaces. He also shared recommendations for monitoring air pollution situations.

Journalist Katerina Topalova spoke on the topic – Impact of air pollution on human health/environment and the role of journalists in raising public awareness, on the importance of investigative journalism when reporting on environmental issues and on approaches to telling stories about pollution of the air.

Journalist Aleksandar Manasiev discussed with the participants about journalism based on the analysis of air pollution data, the best way to effectively use the right to free access to public information, and shared tools for multimedia storytelling.

The participants had the opportunity to share their views, challenges and experiences in monitoring and reporting on topics of local importance related to the impact of polluted air through an interactive discussion.

This workshop was organized by the Association of Journalists of Macedonia as part of the project “Tackling Air Pollution” implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning and the municipalities of Kavadarci, Kumanovo, Gostivar, Struga and Strumica.

This project is part of the UNDP Program Framework, funded by Sweden. Within the framework of the program, the project “Building the municipal capacities for the implementation of projects” is also implemented.