On 7-8 August a training on raising water awareness was held in Karshi (Uzbekistan). The training was held within the UzWaterAware project, which is implemented by CAREC with the financial support of the European Union. The first of a series of trainings “Raising awareness of the media and NGOs of Uzbekistan on water resources and efficient water use” was organized by CAREC partner – the In-Service Training Centre for Journalists of Uzbekistan.
The main aim of the training seminar was to enrich the knowledge of wide audience on water use issues. Eco-journalists with great experience of teaching were involved in developing the training materials and organizing the seminar.
Among the authors are:
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Ms Nargis Kasimova, the trainer of the Centre, the candidate of philological sciences, associate professor of the faculty of international journalism at the Uzbek State University of World Languages, trainer of the Center for Retraining and Advanced Training of Ecologists, editor-in-chief of ekolog.uz.
“Water is life, an invaluable wealth and resource. To cherish and preserve it for future generations is our civic and sacred duty. I am sure that through the media around the country we will be able to promote to the wide audience the key ideas and rules of water conservation,” Nargis mentioned within the training in Karshi.
- Ms Saida Sulaymanova, the trainer of the Centre, senior lecturer and deputy dean of science at the faculty of journalism at the National University of Uzbekistan after Mirzo Ulugbek, chief editor of the Internet site Anhor.uz, media trainer and expert.
“The best and most effective way to improve the ecological culture of water users is a personal example of proper ecological behaviour”, Saida Sulaimanova is sure. “Don't throw away, close, put up, turn off. This is the only effective way to prevent environmental problems so far.”
- Mr Erkin Omonov, the head of the press service of the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan, the deputy editor-in-chief of the children’s ecological magazine Buloqcha / Rodnichok.
A two-day seminar in Karshi involved the representatives of various socio-political, news and eco-oriented media of Kashkadarya region. Also, heads and representatives of the regional Unit of Journalists, the Public Movement “Ecoharakat”, NGOs “Ecosphere” and “Yuksalish” were among the participants.
During the training, the participants were able to raise awareness on the country's water policy towards sustainable development. Also to discuss with the trainers the environmental safety, as well as the principles of efficient water use and the culture of water consumption in Uzbekistan. The main focus was on the importance of the media in raising environmental awareness of the public on water issues.
Based on the results of the series of field trainings, the plans will be developed for future journalistic materials for electronic and print media in cooperation with representatives of NGOs on water resources and efficient water use.
In addition, the project will prepare a training manual on “Coverage of issues related to water use in the media of Uzbekistan” and a manual for training on water resources and efficient water use for journalists, students of faculties and departments of journalism, ecologists, teachers, specialists, representatives of NGOs, civilian activists and opinion leaders.
