Regional Training Workshop for Journalists at Kathmandu
Date : 28 September to 3 October 2015

ICIMOD and GRID-Arendal are organising a Regional Training Workshop for Journalists: Strengthening reporting on adaptation to climate change for relevant policy approaches (http://www.icimod.org/?q=18884) from 28 September to 3 October 2015 in Kathmandu and the surrounding foothills of Nepal.

Interested journalists may apply for participation to the training workshop using the online application form available at the following URL http://www.icimod.org/?q=12142

A detailed overview of the training workshop, guidelines for applications and eligibility guidelines is available on ICIMOD’s website at the following URL. http://www.icimod.org/?q=18884

The deadline for submission of applications is on 11 August 2015. Successful applicants will be notified by 1 September 2015. If you have problems in submitting the form or have questions specific to the workshop, please write to [email protected] (mailto:hicapmediagrants%40icimod.org) .

We would much appreciate your help in spreading this message among interested journalists.

Regional Training Workshop for Journalists:
(http://www.icimod.org/?q=18884)

Strengthening reporting on adaptation to climate change for relevant policy approaches (http://www.icimod.org/?q=18884)

28 Sep—03 Oct, 2015

The Himalayan Climate Change Adaptation Programme (HICAP) (http://www.icimod.org/?q=4779) is a pioneering collaboration among three organizations – CICERO (http://www.cicero.uio.no/) , ICIMOD, and GRID-Arendal (http://www.grida.no/) – aimed at contributing to enhanced resilience of mountain communities, particularly women, through improved understanding of vulnerabilities, opportunities, and potentials for adaptation. Under HICAP’s communications and outreach component, GRID-Arendal and ICIMOD will hold a training workshop for journalists from 28 September to 3 October 2015 in Kathmandu and the surrounding foothills of Nepal.

** Objective

To improve creative thinking, scientific accuracy, and effective communication on adaptation to climate change in a local and national context.

The primary focus will be on vulnerability and adaptation to climate change, including a focus on water, food security, ecosystems services, vulnerability, and the role of women in climate change adaptation. As media can play a critical role in influencing public opinion and triggering debate on policy issues, the training will also focus on interacting and engaging with senior policy advisors and policy makers on relevant themes. In light of the earthquake in Nepal, which caused over 8,500 deaths and widespread damage to housing, infrastructure, and agricultural systems, the workshop will also incorporate disaster risk reduction as one of the key elements for discussion.

** Tentative programme

The workshop will bring together highly motivated journalists from China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan who are currently working with various media, including broadcast, print, web, video, and photo journalism. Special attention will be given to photo and radio journalists. The workshop will be conducted by two experienced trainers, both international senior reporters.

Over the six-day workshop in Kathmandu and Kavre Palanchowk District in Nepal, the trainers will guide participants in the art of formulating, compiling, and editing compelling stories. Through the training, it is expected that participants will:
* Hone their knowledge and skills in reporting about climate change and its impacts at the local level
* Achieve a critical understanding of the policy options available for adaptation to climate change and disaster risk reduction
* Develop innovative articles, to be published through their existing and/or new networks
* Network and exchange views with fellow journalists and local editors

One day in Kathmandu will be dedicated to familiarization and discussion of journalistic techniques and information gathering. This will continue with a three-day field trip, bringing the journalists to destinations than they may not be familiar with from their everyday reporting. The final two days will be spent interacting with senior policy advisers and finalizing the stories. A dedicated session with senior policy advisors and social scientists will focus on identifying key local issues and their possible implications in appropriate policy formulations.

By the end of the workshop, journalists will have prepared relevant stories ready for publication and shared these with the facilitators. After the workshop, three participating journalists will be awarded with a grant for developing other stories.

** Guidelines for application

Interested journalists may apply using the online application form (http://www.icimod.org/?q=12142) no later than 11 August 2015. Please make sure that you provide the following information while submitting the form:
1. A written statement (in English, no more than 150 words) indicating the reason for applying and why you should be considered
2. A list of 3 relevant stories (up to 5 permitted) authored by the applicant including title, category, published/broadcast date, name of the publisher/broadcaster, web link to stories
3. A signed and stamped letter from the editor of a reputable publishing or broadcast agency indicating an interest in broadcasting your story
4. An updated curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages) in English

** Eligibility

* Journalists working in all forms of media (broadcast, print, web, radio, video, and photojournalism) may apply.
* Only journalists who have reported in China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan are eligible.
* Applicants can be either full-time journalists or freelancers with a minimum of five years of experience.
* Demonstrated good investigative reporting skills.
* Experience in reporting on environmental issues is an advantage, but is not essential for the workshop.
* Personal motivation for reporting on adaptation to climate change and its socioeconomic implications.
* Journalists working in non-English media are welcome to apply, but must indicate a proficiency in English, as English is the working language of the training workshop.
* Experience in reporting on policy issues specific to the HICAP study region will be an added advantage.

** Selection Process

All applications will be reviewed by a selection committee. Only successful applicants will be notified by email by 1 September 2015.

If you have problems in submitting the form or have questions specific to the workshop, please write to [email protected]

Nira Gurung
Senior Communications Officer
Knowledge Management and Communications
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
GPO Box 3226, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel +977-1-5003222 Ext 115
Fax +977-1-5003277 Web www.icimod.org
(http://www.icimod.org/)

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