An active program to combat environmental and human rights abuses

Vu Thi Quyen, Director of Education for Nature - Vietnam, learning to use a video camera.
Vu Thi Quyen, Director of Education for Nature - Vietnam, learning to use a video camera.
All who work in the field of environmental protection and human rights know that there are too few active individuals and organisations working to combat many entrenched problems.

The single aim of this programme is to share skills and empower environmental advocates to document, expose and peacefully resolve threats to their natural environment and basic human rights.

New technologies and media are invaluable tools for successful advocacy and the resolution of abuses. Modern communications can send images from an isolated communitiy to the world's power centres instantly. A trained video operator can document and expose abuses, telling the truth as it really is on location. Powerful video evidence and compelling filmed testimonies from those suffering from environmental destruction can reach targeted audiences and elicit positive change from the public, policymakers and corporations nationally and internationally.

Over the last five years, the EJF training programme has developed the tools that give partners the know-how to create effective advocacy campaigns. The training is issue-led and tailored to suit local needs, experiences, opportunities and constraints. EJF "trains trainers", focusing on key individuals and embedding key skills so that these people will go on to train and share their knowledge with other activists over time.
 
"The training was a wonderful learning experience ... we have all learnt much about filming and journalistic skills that we can use in the campaign."

Mary Alice McCabe, on behalf of the Forum for the Defense of the Ceará Coast, Brazil, August 2004.
 

The Training Programme:

CEDAC staff - trained to use video to document health and environmental problems of pesticide use in Cambodia.
CEDAC staff - trained to use video to document health and environmental problems of pesticide use in Cambodia.
  • Provides the skills, knowledge and equipment to train and empower activists to research, investigate, expose and act against threats to the integrity of their environment.

  • Teaches advocates how to produce authoritative documentation of abuses, training them in the use of camera and video equipment and other appropriate technologies.

  • Partners local advocates as they conduct on-site investigations.

  • Develops solutions to environmental abuse and degradation.

  • Creates compelling advocacy and public awareness programmes that provide a voice for environmental concerns and achieve lasting change.