MONROVIA: Distinguish platform Guests, members of the Fourth Estate, Distinguish Ladies and Gentlemen.
I bring your greetings from my family and the team at the Roberts International Airport.
Today is a historical day. This day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993 as WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY, following the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference. Since then, 3 May, is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.
May 3 acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom. It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics. It is an opportunity to:
• celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom;
• assess the state of press freedom throughout the world;
• defend the media from attacks on their independence;
• and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
This day came into existence after more than 20 years of PUL existence. Interestedly, The Press Union of Liberia was founded the same year my mother was born (1964 and we lost her on the 10th of April 2024).
This Union is the umbrella organization serving Liberian media professionals and institutions. With a membership base of more than 500 journalists, the PUL has oversight responsibility for addressing problems arising from journalists’ reportage and conduct in the face of the ever growing demand for quality and good taste.
Basically, the Union was set up to advocate for press freedom and the protection of journalists. But since its founding, the Union has grown to a vibrant pro-democracy group that has championed not only media matters, but issues affecting the democratic governance of the state, social justice and human rights.
There is a huge division in the media nowadays, and certain group of people consider themselves superior. Some are mostly marginalized, and less attentions are paid to them, making them vulnerable and incapacitated. As a result of this division, so many achievements should be made by the Union, but because of self-interest /personal gains, the Union has become a toothless bull dog. Creating an environment that is very unrealistic and unjustifiable. You must know your fundamental reasons you were established. Almost 60 years old as a Union, there is nothing to show. This is the time to rekindle your thoughts to help gravitate our society and your Press Union that used to be a very noble institution.
I personally think the Union does not have both Strategy and Sustainability Plans. No institution survives without plan. Years back, I was excited when the union decided to buy a land on the 14th Street in Sinkor. As we speak, there is nothing done on said property. As members of the fourth estate, this is the time to rethink.
I was asked by the President, Mr. Akoi Bassa to speak on the topic: ‘Journalism in the face of environmental crisis’
Thanks for the invitation, Mr. President.
According to UNESCO report 2023, more than 70% of environmental journalists have been attacked for their work since 2009, This has threatened the lives of journalists covering the climate crisis. At least 749 environmental journalists have faced violence and intimidation in the last 15 years. It said that 44 reporters were murdered between 2009 and 2023 but that resulted in just five convictions.
According to Audrey Azoulay, Director General of Unesco. “Without reliable scientific information about the ongoing environmental crisis, we can never hope to overcome it. And yet the journalists we rely on to investigate this subject and ensure information is accessible face unacceptably high risks all over the world,”.
In addition, Mr. Azoulay said, “On World Press Freedom Day, we must reaffirm our commitment to defending freedom of expression and protecting journalists worldwide.”
Key points from UNESCO’s message on the celebration of World Press Freedom Day
Awareness of all aspects of the global environmental crisis and its consequences is essential to build democratic societies. Journalistic work is indispensable for this purpose.
Journalists encounter significant challenges in seeking and disseminating information on contemporary issues, such as supply-chains problems, climate migration, extractive industries, illegal mining, pollution, poaching, animal trafficking, deforestation, or climate change.
Dis-/misinformation about environmental issues can lead to a lack of public and political support for climate action, effective policies, and the protection of vulnerable communities affected by climate change, as well as of women and girls, as climate change tends to exacerbate existing inequalities.
To achieve sustainable development, it is necessary for journalists to report accurately, timely, and comprehensively on environmental issues and their consequences, as well as on possible solutions.
Environmental crisis in Liberia
Environmental crisis in Liberia include the deforestation of tropical rainforest, the hunting of endangered species for bush meat, the pollution of rivers and coastal waters from industrial run-off and raw sewage, and the burning and dumping of household waste.
We cannot handle these environmental issues without the media playing critical role in the of this crisis.
Case study: Waste management in Liberia
Liberia does not have a National Policy on Waste management. We cannot fight environmental crisis without policy documents.
According the last waste composition analysis done in 2011, 43% of our waste are organic, 14% plastic, 10% Paper and the rest our other mix waste. If we can only add value to these wastes, we reduce burring and burning of waste and this will help protect our planet.
Green Cities solution
Currently, Green Cities is transforming organic waste into organic fertilizer and will be producing animal feed protein soon from organic waste. The organization is turning plastic into diesel and gasoline and also producing other plastic materials (Like Geometric set for school and Latex collection cup for rubber farmers). The company currently has three locations with the hope expanding in other cities. This can only be achieved with strong policy and government intervention.
Recommendations
1. Empower the Secretariat to develop a clear strategy and Sustainability Plan of the Union (This will help the Union to have a clear direction for growth and development).
2. Setup a committee that will take the Union to a National Reconciliation for Journalists (During this period of reconciliation, let members express themselves and the team can find a way forward).
3. Establish a business development arm of the union (This arm will help to seeking funding for the construction of the union office and to also do other investments;
4. Establish an Association of “Environmental Journalists of Liberia” under the Union;
5. Create opportunities for Journalists (Limited opportunity is contributing to Yellow Journalism).
Environmental crisis is a global issue that need serious attention. We can only achieve this collectively without politicizing the fight.
Think Green, Live Green, and Leave Green!
Thanks!