This workshop was intended for Azerbaijani, Georgian and Russian (Republic of Dagestan) journalists. The main purpose of the program was to clarify the importance of media in environmental protection and help journalists improve their coverage of conservation issues in the Caucasus region. Speakers addressed the need for conservation of habitat in parts of Georgia and Russia, as well as in Azerbaijan. The training gave journalists a better understanding of biological diversity, threats to it in the separate countries and the region as a whole, and how to report on such issues effectively, interestingly and accurately.

The four-day workshop was administered by two international journalists with experience in coverage environmental issues, together with one Azerbaijani experienced journalist. Participants had the opportunity to meet and question experts on conserving wildlife, NGO representatives and Government officials. Field trips to Zagatala State National Reserve and Purkuli Reserve gave journalists the opportunity to work on stories on reserves and parks during the workshop. After the workshop’s conclusion, they were obliged to present at least one complete story and list of story ideas on which they plan to work in the near future.

Travel, food and lodging expenses were paid by the program. Certificates were awarded to journalists who completed the program. Later in the year, judges awarded cash prizes to the best story on conservation issues from across the Caucasus region. The May 14-18 workshop in Azerbaijan was one of two that ICFJ organized in the region; another was held in Georgia May 1-5. These training activities were designed to improve public understanding of efforts to conserve rare plants and animals. They were sponsored by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), a joint venture of the Global Environment facility, the Government of Japan, the MacArthur Foundation and Conservation International, an NGO devoted to conserving biological diversity. The program is directed by the International Center for Journalists, an NGO that works to improve news media in many countries, and which founded the Caucasus School of Journalism & Media Management in Tbilisi.

This workshop was sponsored by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), a joint venture of the Global Environment facility, the Government of Japan, the MacArthur Foundation and Conservation International, an NGO devoted to conserving biological diversity. The program was directed by the International Center for Journalists, an NGO that works to improve news media in many countries, and which founded the Caucasus School of Journalism & Media Management in Tbilisi.