Media Public Outreach and the Green Economy Green Economy Conference 2015 Indi Mclymont-Lafayette, Regional Coordinator, Panos Caribbean 1

The Panos Network  6 autonomous Institutes around the world  Panos Caribbean – two country offices – Jamaica and Haiti  Mission - using information as a resource for development  And helping marginalized people to articulate their info for broadcast through the media  So that their inclusion in public and policy debate is ensured 2

Setting the frame  Evidence-based policy: decision-makers unlikely to act on simple receipt of information and knowledge  Lack of Baseline data re Green Economy and Communication specifically Media  Using Four Regional studies as a guide:  Panos Critical Ecosystem Profile Project – baseline surveys done in Jamaica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Haiti re media and environment reporting  Jamaica’s 2007 and 2012 KAP Surveys  OECS 2007 KAP Surveys 3

Findings  SVG - Survey of 40 media and policymakers in that country  The research shows that there is no coverage on radio re science and environmental reporting despite there being some six radio stations.  Of the three television stations only one attempts to carry any really serious coverage on these issues. It is not a priority among them.  In many cases press releases from the Government and or NGO’s is what forms the platform for the coverage of issues in these areas.  Regarding newspapers; of the three in the island only one does any serious work in this area 4

Findings  Jamaica  Panos baseline study – 15 media participants – low priority re environmental reporting KAP Generally persons expressed strong to moderate interest in knowing how climate change affected the various climatic conditions they were asked about An overwhelming majority of all respondents (91.7%) responded yes when asked whether they would like to read, listen to or watch more stories that deal with climate change 5

Findings  Jamaica  KAP 2012  Over 90 % of the online respondents were either very concerned (44.8%) or moderately concerned (48.7%) about climate change. Regarding level of interest in finding out more about the impact of climate change on Jamaica, many persons online were either “very interested” (45.7%) or “somewhat interested” (47.9%). 6

Findings  Haiti Media framework – 365 radio stations There are 60 television houses in Haiti (DAGMAR, 2010) among which 20 are based in the capital. But for the spots and commercials pubs, programs based on environment and biodiversity are either virtually nonexistent or embedded in politics. Media are attracted to topics that are more appealing such as musical entertainment, sports, politics, etc. This set of programs is characterized by a profound imbalance containing, 64% of news, 11.4% of music, 9.7% of religion and 4.7% sports which are the most popular themes in the Haitian media 7

Links to Green Economy  Green Economy – involves elements of climate change, biodiversity, science and research  Need more baseline data (KAPS) to get a good sense of Public Education and media needs  Extrapolating from these studies – gaps between interest in areas and media provision  General awareness of Green Economy low in region among average citizens. What about Knowledge for the key sectors being targeted for initial Green Economy Roll Out? 8

Recommendations  1) Capacity Building:  In Haiti, the Quisqueya University, Private offered a Master's program in journalism, which apparently is temporarily closed for lack of funding.  CARIMAC – boost to expand reach for regional training.  Fellowships, scholarships and exchange program outside can be very beneficial to less experienced journalists – national, regional and international.  Regional media networks – through CEPF project – OECS Media Network, trilingual networking  Public Awareness:  -Regional KAP Studies to inform Public Awareness Campaigns  - Collaboration with existing Initiatives/Strategic Alliances – SPCR, Adaptation Fund Project  Repository for Credible Information on the Green Economy – established and publicised (PIP) 9

Next Steps You Tell Me Lets Talk Thank you 10