The Government of the Republic of Bulgaria has committed to building capacity of journalists to report on environmental matters. In accordance with its Communication Strategy, the Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW) organizes regular seminars for journalists from the different mass-media outlets. These are held at least twice a year, but may be more often if needed. At these seminars, high-level experts from the Ministry explain recent developments and answer journalists’ questions. The seminars typically cover new legislative acts, regulations, and activities of the Ministry.
The seminars are held in different regions of the country. This provides an opportunity for the Ministry to show the journalists real, concrete results from different projects. For instance, journalists can see the operation of visitor’s centres in protected areas and the information centres in the Regional Inspectorates of Environment and Water.
In addition to the seminars, the Executive Environment Agency of the Ministry produces a daily bulletin on ambient air quality and the radiation in the country. This bulletin is provided to the Bulgarian Information Agency. Regional Inspectorates are obliged to send information to the mass-media if environmental monitoring of the different media (air, water, and soil) reveals pollution in excess of the admissible norms. There are also regular press-conferences in the Ministry.
The Ministry’s work with journalists has yielded good results. Journalists become more aware of the activities of the Ministry and sensitive to environmental concerns. Accordingly, environmental reporting has become more impartial and accurate.
For more information, contact Press@moew.government.bg