The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) has recognized outstanding journalists reporting on Environment and Climate change in Africa.
The ceremony took place in Abidjan on the sidelines of the 12th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa CCDA-XII.
Among those who were recognized is Mombasa based journalist Jasmine Atieno.
Jasmine who works with the People daily newspaper was the only journalist from Kenya who won the award, with Leleti Jassor from Nation media group being the runners up.
"I am very excited and humbled for this win. Thankful to Pan African Climate Justice Alliance for recognizing and rewarding our efforts and commitment as journalists in highlighting critical environmental issues and advocating for climate justice." said Jasmine.
Adding "I have to also say, the winning story was my first opinion article on climate change. I decided to write this article especially motivated by the devastating effects the floods had to Kenyan families and especially to women, which we all witnessed and reported about. As a features writer we are so used to collect everyone else's voice but we should never forget how important our voices and opinions also are in driving for change. And I really hope to see this change happen in terms of empowering Kenyan and African women to mitigate effects of climate change."
The theme for this edition was 'Advancing for accountability for Adaptation finance for enhanced resilience, climate justice and equity'.
478 journalists submitted their entries for the awards. Out of 478 candidates, 16 were selected winners in six categories.
Contestants submitted entries in six categories namely: print media, Broadcast media, Digital Activists, Investigative, Coverage of local Climate Change Issues, and opinion/commentary.
During his address to the participants at the gala night, Carlton Cofie, the chief judge, expressed his admiration for the impressive quality of all the entries. He emphasized the difficulty in selecting the winners due to the high level of competition. He said that the next competition will be improved as journalists will be equipped with more skills in climate change and environmental issues.
The ACCER awards are currently in their 8th edition, with the inaugural event held in 2013. Dr. Mithika Mwenda, the Executive Director of PACJA, emphasized that the media is the strategic ally of PACJA in advancing and promoting climate justice advocacy in Africa and beyond.
The African Climate Change and Environmental Reporting (ACCER) Awards have been held biennially since 2013.
These awards aim to acknowledge and encourage exceptional journalists and media networks who utilize their skills, reach, and influence to simplify complex environmental-scientific discussions and raise awareness about how they affect people's lives, societies, economies, and the health of the planet. The following annex indicates the winners of for 8th ACCER Awards.
