The School of Environmental Journalism opened in St. Petersburg.
Two persons simultaneously came to one idea - to organize an educational project for journalists and environmentalists. They were Irina Vlasova, member of the Youth Environmental Forum, which was held in St. Petersburg on September 9-11, and an experienced journalist Irina Mikhalchanko. It is thanks to Mikhalchanko – a university professor and a TV veteran, who has been working for the leading federal channels for more than a dozen years, the project came to life.Irina Mikhalchanka spoke about the start of the School at the September meeting of the Commission of Eco-efficient tourism of Leningrad Oblast branch of the Russian Geographical Society. Chairman of the Commission Anton Jusko, a professional journalist, said: "The implementation of such a project is necessary for the journalistic community, and for the people involved in the protection and preservation of the natural wealth of our country, which is why we decided to support this initiative."
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The Commission of Eco-efficient tourism - is one of the youngest associations of Leningrad branch of the Russian Geographical Society. From the beginning, the Commission has become a discussion forum for presentation and discussion of environmental projects in the field of tours and tourist activities. The Commission promotes eco-efficient technologies, work with young people in the field of environmental education, expeditions and festival activities.
The city Committee of Natural Resources and St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly Committee of Ecology and Environment supported the School of Environmental Journalism.
"Environmental education – is a delicate sphere, and journalists are a link between professionals and those to whom the information is addressed. I hope that as a result of the work of the School not only the media, but also leaders of all levels will be more highly competetive, - said Igor Merkushev, General Consultant of the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Ecology and Environment of St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly.
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"The Russian Geographical Society is implementing a number of projects to clean up the Arctic, but often after such large-scale actions the fragile northern nature still suffers. I would really like if the School helped ensure that such situations do not occur ", - said Victor Senichkin, Director of the Executive Directorate of the Russian Geographical Society (headquartered in St. Petersburg).
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Project leader thanked the leadership of the Headquarters for the opportunity to organize the School in the walls of the Russian Geographical Society and highlighted the role of journalists in the formation of ecological consciousness of citizens: "On television, of course, the rating, is most important thing and choosing between the " kittens" and the environmental problems, many would choose the good news. Therefore, a lot of depepends on how we presented the information and on the quality of it. The level of environmental literacy of our viewers depends on that. Environmental journalism is something to be taught ", - said Irina Mikhalchanka.
The School of Environmental Journalism - an interactive educational project with a strong multimedia component, aimed at forming the eco-outlook among journalists. It is a flexible universal structure that can respond quickly to changing demands of the target audience staying loyal to the same goal - to make the ecology a normal priority.
The classes will be held in the evening twice a month. The time and place of the next classes will be announced later.
Text: Tatiana Nikolaeva
Photo: Alexander Pshenichnykh, Anna Meyer