MaltaMedia.com

Environmental journalism will be the 13th category for next year’s 20th edition of the Malta Journalism Awards. Awarded to a Maltese journalist whose work is assessed as having most effectively communicated environmental issues to the public, the award is sponsored by Green Dot Malta. This was announced by the Council of the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM).

“The Award is being established this year to give due recognition to environmental journalism. Each submitted portfolio will be examined mainly for newsworthiness: timely work that adds to or encourages debate on current issues; and for impact – work that is noteworthy for its positive effect or influence in the community. The judging panel will also be instructed to base its considerations on other criteria, such as adherence to IĠM’s code of ethics, creativity, and appropriateness of context,” said IĠM chairman, Malcolm J. Naudi.

Green Dot operates GreenPak, the leading waste recovery scheme in Malta approved by MEPA. Since 2006, GreenPak has diverted thousands of tonnes of waste away from landfills and towards recycling. In its latest annual report, GreenPak revealed that, for several consecutive years, it has met and surpassed Malta’s national recycling targets.

“Environmental journalism is beginning to flourish in Malta and Green Dot Malta wants to encourage Maltese journalists to generate a greater public understanding and appreciation of contemporary environmental issues and developments,” said Green Dot Malta managing director Ing. Mario Schembri. “More recently, we have noticed that the most successful environmental campaigns are those that also make economic and financial sense.

“In fact, private-led initiatives, similar to GreenPak’s scheme, have led most EU countries to achieve high recycling performance, and at no cost for the taxpayer. While leading by example, Green Dot Malta also supports initiatives, like the sponsorship of this national environmental journalism award, as they encourage the Maltese community to adopt a more responsible lifestyle,” said Ing. Schembri.