The Wetlands for LiFE Media Students Engagement Programme, held on August 22-23, 2024, at the KIIT School of Mass Communication, Bhubaneswar, brought together media professionals, environmental experts, and conservationists to explore the role of media in promoting wetland conservation.
Organised by the Centre for Media Studies (CMS) in collaboration with KIIT Deemed to be University, GIZ India, and other esteemed partners, the two-day workshop aimed to enhance the understanding and communication skills of media personnel regarding the importance of wetlands, particularly focusing on Chilika Lake, a vital ecosystem in Odisha.
The inaugural session was graced by distinguished speakers, including Dr. R. N. Samal, Senior Scientific Officer at the Chilika Development Authority, Prof. Himansu Shekhar Khatua, Director General of the School of Mass Communication, KIIT-DU; Prof Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar, KIIT-DU. Ms. Annu Anand, Director of CMS Programs, introduced the program, emphasizing the critical role of media in environmental conservation. Dr Rajeev Kumar Panda, Associate Professor and Associate Dean, delivered the welcome speech referring to the wetlands as the earth’s kidneys
In his address, Prof. Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty remarked, “Media has the power to shape public perception and drive action. Through initiatives like this, we are equipping journalists with the knowledge and tools to make a real difference in environmental conservation.”
Prof. Himansu Sekhar Khatua, DG of KSMC, KSOFT and KSFMS, highlighted the KIIT Green Initiative by Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS to control environmental pollution and create a healthy environment in and around the 36-square-kilometer area where different KIIT campuses are located.
The workshop featured technical sessions on various topics, including the mystery and beauty of wetlands, environment journalism, and storytelling techniques. Ms. Tiasa Adhya, Co-Founder, of The Fishing Cat Project talked about conservation in Chilika through a flagship species. Dr Pranab J Patar, Senior Environment & Sustainability Expert and Mr. Nishant Saxena, Climate Science Communication Expert delivered other technical sessions.
Annu Anand led a discussion on producing compelling communication materials. She highlighted, “Effective storytelling is at the heart of conservation efforts. By empowering future media professionals with the right skills, we can amplify the voice of our wetlands and inspire action across the nation.”
Participants also engaged in a field visit to Chilika Lake in Wetland Research & Training Centre Barkul led by Dr. Saibala Parida, where they gained first-hand experience of wetland ecology and conservation challenges. This workshop marks a significant step towards fostering a deeper understanding of wetlands among promising future media professionals of Odisha and ensuring that the importance of these ecosystems reaches a broader audience.