Deadline: 8 September 2023
InfoNile, a geo-journalism platform and cross-border network of more than 800 environmental journalists and scientists in the Nile Basin, has organized a science communication competition that aims to engage university students in Africa to understand the critical role of conserving swamps and their biodiversity.
The competition aims to foster environmental awareness and empower young scientists and conservationists in Africa to take action for swamps. Participating students are encouraged to conduct in-depth research, critically analyze scientific information, and effectively communicate their findings to diverse audiences.
Swamps play a great role in protecting and preserving biodiversity but stressors, including human activities, are posing a great impact unto them. Different ways of mitigations including restoration, establishment, enhancement and preservation have been put in place to return the former natural functions and characteristics.
Theme: Saving Swamps to Conserve Biodiversity in Changing Climate Change.
Objectives of the competition
- To enhance university students’ knowledge and understanding of the significance of swamps in conserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change.
Competition Outputs
- University students will employ various communication mechanisms to raise awareness about the importance of swamps and conserving biodiversity within.
- This is through mechanisms like:
- Informative and visually appealing stories that explore the challenges faced by swamps, conservation, and the role of biodiversity in climate change resilience.
- Stories produced could be in the form of written articles and stories, photo stories, short videos, short podcasts and poems.
- Utilize social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter to reach a wider audience in raising awareness.
Eligibility Criteria
- A team of 2-3 university students, one from communication or Journalism and a science student will team up and produce a communication output of their choice.
- They will choose any scientific research article about swamps in their country and use it as a case study.
Judging Criteria
Submissions for the competition will be judged on the following criteria:
- Relevance to Swamps & Biodiversity in a Changing Climate;
- Accuracy in Communicating Scientific Research;
- Ease of Understanding the Science and Impact;
- Creativity and Engagement;
- Teamwork;
- Depth and Impact.
For more information, visit InfoNile.
