The MoU also aims to tackle the impact of these changes on wildlife, water and vegetation cover, including global warming, toxic gas emissions and environmental pollution, despite the proliferation of laws and the establishment of specialised environmental agencies around the globe in the past four decades.
The memorandum was signed by Dr Mostefa Souag, acting director-general of Al Jazeera Media Network; and Elizabeth Mrema, director of the Legal Division at UNEP.
The MoU provides for holding a specialised training workshop for Al Jazeera Media Network journalists on the development of press coverage on environmental, climate and human rights issues; issuing a joint handbook that clarifies the definitions and differences between the concepts and terminology of environmental protection laws; producing a joint documentary and introductory links; and supplying newsrooms with news, reports, pictures and humanitarian stories that enhance the human rights coverage of the Al Jazeera Centre of Public Liberties & Human Rights and Al Jazeera Media Network; as well as launching an award to recognise the achievements of environmental defenders from disaster-affected regions, the network has said in a statement.
Sami al-Hajj, director of Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights, said: “This MoU with UNEP is of special importance if we take into account the dedication and willingness of the two parties to shed light on the key environmental and climate issues that challenge countries and organisations, and the hazards that threatens the lives of individuals and people.
“This requires further strengthening of co-ordination and the partnership between both organisations to provide an effective and efficient media coverage these issues.”
On her part, Mrema stressed that the MoU would contribute to a quantum leap in media coverage of environmental issues.