Environmental (Green) journalism is becoming important topic in media in the world and thus addressed by the Council of Europe in its cooperation programmes.

A two-day training on Environmental Journalism was organised for 25 Azerbaijani journalists and media experts, aimed to strengthen the ability of local media to report on climate change and environmental issues. The workshop provided participants with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively cover stories related to climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development.

Led by an international expert, the training emphasised the valuable role journalists play in increasing public awareness of environmental challenges. The expert highlighted the need for responsible reporting: “Journalists play an important role in shaping public understanding of environmental and climate change issues. With the right tools, they can spotlight urgent problems and introduce constructive discussions”.

Participants engaged in practical exercises, discussions and case studies, all aimed at improving their reporting skills and deepening their understanding of environmental and climate change issues.

One participant noted the significance of the training ahead of Azerbaijan’s hosting of the 29^th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP-29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change: “This training has been invaluable. It not only increased my understanding of environmental issues but also provided me with new techniques to tell these stories effectively, especially as we prepare for the high-profile COP 29 event in November in Azerbaijan”.

The event was organised within the framework of the Council of Europe Project “Promoting Media Professionalism and Freedom of Information in Azerbaijan (PRO-M-FEX)”, implemented as part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Azerbaijan 2022-2025.