The French media development agency CFI recently hosted an art exhibition in Amman, showcasing stories about the environment and climate produced through its project funded by the French Development Agency (AFD). This project aimed to train journalists from four Arab countries to create impactful climate reports, raising awareness about environmental protection in the region.
Attendees included CFI’s global director Emanuela Tolan, AFD’s regional director Yves Gescoro, and various representatives from Arab media outlets. They gathered to celebrate the journalists’ work and discuss the urgent need for increased environmental awareness in Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, and Iraq.
Henrik Ahrens, director of the QARIB media development project, highlighted the significance of sharing these stories. He emphasized that QARIB seeks to connect journalists from these nations and empower them to tackle climate issues that resonate deeply with their audiences. By supporting independent media, the project helps marginalized voices gain attention during global climate discussions.
According to a recent report by the UN, the Mediterranean region, where these journalists are active, is among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This sobering statistic underlines the necessity for robust environmental journalism. Ahrens noted that participating journalists have not only reported on climate issues during international summits but have also initiated grassroots conversations in their communities.
Environmental journalist Suzanne Baaklini stated that the training provided insights into vital topics like climate finance and the responsibilities of major industrial nations. This focus has led to stronger regional reporting on climate issues, benefiting not just local communities but also enhancing broader understanding of global climate challenges.
Monjed Jadou, editor-in-chief of Palestine News Network, expressed pride for PNN’s involvement in this initiative. He revealed that the network has significantly deepened its climate coverage over recent years, aiding in raising awareness among Palestinian audiences. The importance of climate reporting is further underscored by facts revealing the Mediterranean is facing dire consequences from climate change, signaling potential uninhabitability in the future.
Participants at the exhibition shared their gratitude for the opportunities provided by QARIB. Lebanese journalist Karam Mandar, who documented climate issues through short films, emphasized that independent media is crucial for highlighting public concerns over environmental challenges.
Mounia Dweik from “Roya Palestine” discussed her channel’s recent efforts to explore the environmental impacts of war, focusing on issues like water pollution and land degradation. She noted that addressing these topics is vital for illuminating how conflict intertwines with environmental health.
Jordanian journalist Abdulrahman Makawi highlighted the importance of the QARIB project, which opened doors for reporting on pressing climate issues affecting his community. He hoped for continued support for young journalists eager to tackle environmental topics.
The artworks and stories displayed at CFI’s exhibition serve as a powerful reminder of the pressing need for greater climate awareness and more robust environmental protections in Arab societies, which remain critically affected by climate change trends.
For further insights on climate change impacts in the Mediterranean, check out the United Nations Environment Programme report [here](https://www.unep.org/resources/report/state-meditteranean-environment ).
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