NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTION (NDC) SUPPORT PROGRAMME IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

REPORT Media Sensitization Sessions

on Climate Change Reporting July – August 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE ...... 2 2 TRAINING AND FACILITATION ...... 2 3 PRESENTATIONS ...... 3 4 STAKEHOLDERS ...... 4 5 FEEDBACK AND ASSESSMENT ...... 5 6 MEDIA FOOTPRINT ...... 8 7 LESSONS LEARNED AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 10 8 APPENDIX ...... 11

8.1 APPENDIX 1: AGENDA FOR MEDIA SENSITIZATION SESSIONS IN TRINIDAD ...... 11 8.2 APPENDIX 2: AGENDA FOR MEDIA SENSITIZATION SESSION IN TOBAGO ...... 12 8.3 APPENDIX 3: POST-ASSESSMENT SURVEY ...... 13

1

1 BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

In July and August 2019, the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, through the Ministry of Planning and Development (MPD) and in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Support Programme, hosted interactive sensitization sessions on climate change, specifically geared towards media practitioners. The objective of these sessions was to enhance the capabilities of journalists in reporting on climate change issues, initiatives and impacts through a fundamental understanding of the underlying issues associated with the phenomena, including its wide-ranging implications for society and what is being done to address it globally and particularly in Trinidad and Tobago.

Three half-day sessions were held in Trinidad on 29th, 30th and 31st July 2019 and one full-day session was conducted in Tobago on 29th August 2019. Mr. Anthony Fraser (Journalist) facilitated the events and the technical information was presented by Mr. Kishan Kumarsingh (MPD). Emphasis was placed on three themes Theme 1 Theme 2 Theme 3 surrounding climate change including: What is What are the What are the Climate impacts and responses and (i) What is it? (ii) What are the Change? implications? way forward? implications and impacts? (iii) How do we respond and what is the way forward?

2 TRAINING AND FACILITATION

Mr. Anthony Fraser was recommended as an ideal candidate to facilitate this media sensitization exercise, given his knowledge and experience as well as respect throughout the media fraternity. Mr Fraser is a senior journalist with over forty years of international media experience. He is a renowned communications consultant and trainer to a variety of stakeholders including ministerial, legal, financial and corporate executives and institutions. Furthermore, Mr. Fraser is a producer of television documentaries and features, a moderator of current affairs television/radio programmes and a columnist and investigative reporter for print and television media. This combined experience enhanced the delivery of the intended messages related to climate change in Trinidad and Tobago and also stimulated discussions and interactions between the participants and ministry personnel on the topic.

On 25th July 2019, Mr. Fraser conducted a training session with MPD team members in preparation for the Media Sensitization Sessions. His presentation covered various topics including objectives of the media, achieving common agendas, the communications process, developing solid messages and sound bites, and tips on giving strong presentations and interviews. Following the training, individual MPD personnel presented stories in a mock news conference setting and engaged in a role play to a television audience. Posing as the interviewer, Mr. Fraser questioned the presenters in an almost disbelieving and cynical manner in order to test their ability to sell the story to the audience. The session was recorded on video, played back and analysed to allow the MPD staff to get a feel of themselves as presenters and determine areas for improvement when developing their messages and delivering them to the viewers,

2 listeners and readers. The video material was made available to the team for review and further preparation for their presentations at the media sessions.

3 PRESENTATIONS

Three half-day sessions were held in Trinidad on 29th, 30th and 31st July 2019 and one full-day session in Tobago on 29th August 2019. As shown in the Agenda’s for the sessions (Appendix 1 and 2), Mr. Kishan Kumarsingh’s presentations on the three themes were as follows:

Theme Description Theme 1: What is climate • Global observations with respect to temperature increase, warming oceans, sea change? level rise, declining Arctic sea ice, ocean acidification and extreme events. • Caribbean observations and impacts in Trinidad and Tobago including changes in water availability, increased incidences of vector borne diseases, reduced agricultural production and food security, increased vulnerability to extreme weather events and impacts on tourism. Theme 2: What are the • What we know: the evidence, causes, likely effects and future changes. impacts and implications • What we don’t know: the extent of the changes, tipping point, and risks and how of climate change? to assess and manage them. • Summary of findings of sectors assessed for climate risks in Trinidad and Tobago: agriculture and food security, water resources, human health, coastal resources and fisheries, human settlements and infrastructure, biodiversity and Tobago (integrated approach). Theme 3: What are the • Recap of the problem, causes, issues and challenges associated with climate responses and way change. forward with respect to • International responses such as the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change? Climate Change (UNFCCC), Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement (PA). • Key outcomes of the PA including approaches to mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology transfer, transparency and compliance, inclusion of non-party stakeholders (civil society, business and private sector). • Climate Diplomacy and the links to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), challenges and going forward. • Trinidad and Tobago’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and its implementation Plan, as well as the Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV) System.

The following link can be used to access the presentations: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/99e4ir4ax7ao98o/AAC1Z-dJzvLUXUUiN4ok6--ea?dl=0

3

4 STAKEHOLDERS

Over the four-day period of the Media Sensitization Sessions, there was a total of fifty-four (54) stakeholders from twenty-nine (29) organizations that participated in the event. These included media houses as well as Corporate Communications personnel from the various ministries. The following is a list of participants and their contact information:

Organization Participant E-mail 92.7/Tambrin Clayton Clarke [email protected] 92.7/Tambrin Wren Gray [email protected] CNC3 News - A Division of Guardian Media Limited Geisha Kowlessar-Alanzo geisha.kowlessar.guardian.co.tt CNC3 News - A Division of Guardian Media Limited Krystle James [email protected] Facilitator Tony Fraser [email protected] Freelance Journalist Jewel Perking [email protected] Guardian Newspaper Shirley Bahadur [email protected] ieTV Channel 1 Vivek Ramkissoon [email protected] Isaac 98.1 FM Stephen Cummings [email protected] MEA Capacity Building Project Cindy Chandool [email protected] Ministry of Planning and Development - Christel Mohammed [email protected] Communications Ministry of Planning and Development - Keegan Callender [email protected] Communications Ministry of Planning and Development - Kendal Fontenelle [email protected] Communications Ministry of Planning and Development - EPPD Candace Leung Woo- [email protected] Gabriel Ministry of Planning and Development - EPPD David Persad [email protected] Ministry of Planning and Development - EPPD Javed Lakhan [email protected] Ministry of Planning and Development - EPPD Kishan Kumarsingh [email protected] Ministry of Planning and Development - EPPD Marissa Gowrie [email protected] Ministry of Planning and Development - EPPD Nera Singh [email protected] Ministry of Planning and Development - EPPD Sindy Singh [email protected] NDC Support Programme Project Team Hans-Erich Schulz [email protected] NDC Support Programme Project Team Tanya Staskiewicz [email protected] Newsday Corey Connelly [email protected] Newsday Jabarri Superville [email protected] Newsday Janelle De Souza [email protected] Newsday Jordon Briggs [email protected] Newsday Laurel V. Williams [email protected] Newsday Melissa Doughty [email protected] Newsday Mikael Hepburn [email protected] Newsday Shane Superville [email protected] Pulse 89.5 FM Garth George [email protected] THA - Division of Community Development Troy Andrews [email protected]

4

Organization Participant E-mail THA - Division of Education, Innovation, and Kinda Thomas [email protected] Energy THA - Division of Health, Wellness & Family Jasiyah Ibrahiim [email protected] Development THA - Division of Health, Wellness & Family Sherienne Millington [email protected], Development [email protected] THA - Division of Information Marlol Gottsleben [email protected] THA - Division of Infrastructure, Quarries & the Jaime Ramkissoon [email protected] Environment THA - Division of Infrastructure, Quarries & the Kemba Atkins [email protected], Environment [email protected] THA - Division of Infrastructure, Quarries & the Linford Beckles [email protected] Environment THA - Division of Infrastructure, Quarries & the Natalie Knott-Robin [email protected] Environment THA - Division of Settlements, Urban Renewal & Odeka O'Neil [email protected] Public Utilities THA - Division of Tourism, Culture, and Camille Daniel [email protected] Transportation The STREET 91.9 FM Tobago Verne Extavour [email protected] TNC/BUR Project Diana Roopnarine Lal [email protected] Tobago Channel 5 Kandace Jackson [email protected] Tobago Emergency Management Agency Melissa Yearwood [email protected] Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) Tinielle Des Vignes [email protected]; [email protected] TTT Limited Ean Wallace [email protected] TTT Limited Janine Browne [email protected] TTT Limited Marie Hull [email protected] TTT Limited Ricky Gookool TTT/New Lens Jaheim Ottley [email protected] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Viveka Jackson [email protected] Videographer Denzil Alfred [email protected]

5 FEEDBACK AND ASSESSMENT

The post-assessment survey in Appendix 3 was issued to the participants after the sessions and a total of twenty-one (21) responses were received. Overall, the sessions were successful and the majority of participants gleaned further insight into the topic of climate change and appreciated the important role of the media and communications in reporting on the issues, impacts and responses. Furthermore, stakeholders were encouraged and keen to continue to report on climate change and participate in further training on the subject matter. The following graphs summarize the feedback provided:

5

6

7

6 MEDIA FOOTPRINT

The Media Sensitization Sessions provided a forum for media and communications practitioners to advance their knowledge on climate change. Coming out of these sessions, useful stories were also published by the various media houses. Some examples of these, as well as the social media materials developed are provided below:

Media House Story CNC3 News THE 7PM NEWSCAST (Business Watch) Time stamp: 17:08 – 19:12 T&T Will Not Escape Monday 29th July 2019 https://www.facebook.com/CNC3Television/videos/405716980287300/?epa=SEARCH_BOX TTT News THE 7PM NEWSCAST Climate Change: A National Issue Monday 29th July 2019 https://www.facebook.com/tttliveonline/videos/370355156997045/?epa=SEARCH_BOX Newsday TT in a challenging state: Kumarsingh on climate change Tuesday 30th July 2019 https://newsday.co.tt/2019/07/30/tt-in-a-challenging-state/ Newsday Rising carbon dioxide levels causing ‘global crisis’: Ministry’s Kumarsingh discusses climate change threats Monday 5th August 2019 https://newsday.co.tt/2019/08/05/rising-carbon-dioxide-levels-causing-global-crisis/ Guardian Climate change threatens T&T’s Tobago learns about the need to go ‘green’ Newspaper economy Guardian - Life Business Guardian Monday 9th September 2019 Sunday 4th August 2019

8

Social Media Materials

9

7 LESSONS LEARNED AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The following section highlights some of the lessons learned and recommendations with respect to the organization and execution of the Media Sensitization Sessions on climate change reporting:

• The use of a facilitator proved successful at stimulating questions and discussions between the media and MPD personnel. Mr. Anthony Fraser in particular, was a valuable asset to the process as he is highly respected throughout the media fraternity. • Continuous follow-up with invitees is critical for ensuring a robust response and enhanced stakeholder participation. • Targeting news managers to participate in a similar training exercise would have sustained impact, due to the fact that they determine the assignments of personnel within their organizations. • Deployment of a webinar format in order to facilitate hectic schedules and enhance the participation rate. • Include practical exercises and case studies in order to further develop reporting skills on climate change. • Consider the allotment of additional time for presentations or more concise presentations supplemented with physical materials (e.g., booklets, manuals, etc.).

10

8 APPENDIX

8.1 APPENDIX 1: AGENDA FOR MEDIA SENSITIZATION SESSIONS IN TRINIDAD

Ministry of Planning and Development

NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTION (NDC) SUPPORT PROGRAMME IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Sensitization Sessions on Climate Change Reporting in Trinidad and Tobago Monday 29th, Tuesday 30th and Wednesday 31st July 2019 Hyatt Regency, International Waterfront Complex, Port-of-Spain

DAY 1 AGENDA (Monday 29th July 2019) 8:30 am – 9:00 am Registration 9:00 am – 9:30 am Welcome and Opening Remarks 9:30 am – 10:00 am Presentation: What is climate change? 10:00 am – 10:30 am Coffee Break 10:30 am – 11:30 am Question and Answer Session 11:30 am – 12:00 pm Interviews 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch DAY 2 AGENDA (Tuesday 30th July 2019) 9:15 am – 9:30 am Welcome and Recap of Day 1 9:30 am – 10:00 am Presentation: What are the implications and impacts of climate change? 10:00 am – 10:30 am Coffee Break 10:30 am – 11:30 am Question and Answer Session 11:30 am – 12:00 pm Interviews 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch DAY 3 AGENDA (Tuesday 31st July 2019) 9:15 am – 9:30 am Welcome and Recap of Day 2 9:30 am – 10:00 am Presentation: How do we respond to climate change and what is the way forward? 10:00 am – 10:30 am Coffee Break 10:30 am – 11:30 am Question and Answer Session 11:30 am – 12:00 pm Interviews 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch

11

APPENDIX 2: AGENDA FOR MEDIA SENSITIZATION SESSION IN TOBAGO

Ministry of Planning and Development

NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTION (NDC) SUPPORT PROGRAMME IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Media and Communications Sensitization Session on Climate Change Reporting in Trinidad and Tobago

Thursday 29th August 2019 Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort, Tobago Plantations Estate, Lowlands, Tobago

AGENDA 8:30 am – 9:00 am Registration 9:00 am – 9:15 am Welcome and Opening Remarks (Linford Beckles, Tobago House of Assembly) 9:15 am – 10:00 am Presentation: What is climate change? (Kishan Kumarsingh, Ministry of Planning and Development) 10:00 am – 10:30 am Coffee Break 10:30 am – 11:30 am Presentations: What are the implications and impacts of climate change? How do we respond to climate change and what is the way forward? (Kishan Kumarsingh, Ministry of Planning and Development) 11:30 am – 12:00 pm Question and Answer Session 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Additional discussions and interviews

12

8.2 APPENDIX 3: POST-ASSESSMENT SURVEY

Ministry of Planning and Development

NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTION (NDC) SUPPORT PROGRAMME IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Media and Communications Sensitization Session on Climate Change Reporting in Trinidad and Tobago

ASSESSMENT FORM

The Ministry of Planning and Development, in collaboration with the UNDP NDC Support Programme, has conducted a Media and Communications Sensitization Session on Climate Change Reporting in Tobago on 29th August 2019. As a valuable participant in this exercise, we ask that you complete the following survey, which will allow us to improve on future sessions. Thank you again for your engagement in this exercise.

1. How would you rate your level of High level of appreciation Some No appreciation for climate change issues, £ appreciation appreciation impacts and responses prior to the £ £ sensitization session?

2. How would you rate your level of High level of appreciation Some No appreciation for climate change issues, £ appreciation appreciation impacts and responses after the £ £ sensitization session?

3. How likely are you to report on climate Very likely Likely Neither Unlikely Very unlikely change issues in the future, in light of the £ £ £ £ £ understanding gleaned?

4. How useful was the sensitization session Extremely Very useful Somewhat Not so Not at all useful to your current work as a media or useful £ useful useful £ communications practitioner? £ £ £

5. How important is the role of media and Extremely Very Somewhat Not so Not at all communications in reporting on climate important important important important important change issues, impacts, and responses? £ £ £ £ £

6. Do you think that follow-up sessions on Strongly Agree Neither Disagree Strongly climate change reporting would benefit agree disagree the media and communications fraternity? £ £ £ £ £

13

7. Would you be interested in participating in Extremely Very Somewhat Not so Not at all any future sessions on climate change interested interested interested interested interested reporting? £ £ £ £ £

8. Would you be interested in receiving Extremely Very Somewhat Not so Not at all research materials and conducting interested interested interested interested interested interviews with experts to develop £ £ £ £ £ features and investigative reports relating to the impacts of climate change?

9. Would you recommend that your fellow Very likely Likely Neither Unlikely Very unlikely media and communications practitioners £ £ £ £ £ take part in future sessions such as this one on climate change reporting?

10. Please provide any feedback or suggestions on ways that we can improve future sessions in order to meet the needs

of participants. For example, targeting specific participants, considering busy schedules, location, etc.

THANK YOU FOR COMPLETING THE ASSESSMENT FORM

14