Earth Journalism Network Trains Belizean Reporters

James Fahn

A day before the trip, Belizean reporters gathered in Belize City where they participated in a lively discussion with professionals. The discussion focused primarily on environmental issues including climate change, biodiversity, water, environmental health, and oceans and coastal resources.  The Earth Journalism Network assists journalists through workshops and development of training materials, fellowship programs, support for story production and distribution, as well as dispersing small grants.  The Executive Director is James Fahn, who spoke of the aims of E.J.N. in Belize.  

James Fahn, Executive Director, E.J.N.

“Belize is an important country for maintaining the reef and as you know it is the world’s second largest barrier reef. It is a really important resource, not just for Belize but for the world. So we just thought it was important we work together with Belize journalists and we learn from each other about how we can improve coverage of not just the reef but of coastal resources and coastal management and tourism management, all of the things that go into sustainably managing the reef on the long term. We support all kind of activities to help journalists improve their coverage of natural resources, the environment, oceans, bio-diversity, fisheries, forestry. We do a lot of training workshop. We give out small grants for journalists to do stories on environmental topics, sometimes environmental stories. We give out fellowships so journalists can travel overseas to major conferences, climate summits, whatever we can do to support environmental journalism.”