By Ebenezer ASUMANG
“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it”
———Robert Swan, Author
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, 2005) offers a valuable and enduring description of environmental stewardship as the responsibility for environmental quality, shared by all those whose actions impact the environment.
This sense of responsibility is a value that can be reflected in the choices of individuals, companies, communities, and government organisations, and is shaped by distinct environmental, social, and economic interests.
It is also a behaviour, demonstrated through continuous improvement of environmental performance and a commitment to the efficient use of natural resources, protection of ecosystems, and, where applicable, ensuring a baseline of compliance with environmental requirements.
Environmental stewardship is not a new phenomenon. It has deep and varied roots. From farming to hunting, conservation practices to spiritual beliefs, natural resources and the valuable services they provide can be appreciated in many different contexts. As we explore how to become a more sustainable society, environmental stewardship can help preserve natural resources and achieve sustainable outcomes (EPA, 2005).
The term environmental stewardship has been used to refer to diverse actions such as creating protected areas, replanting trees, limiting harvests, reducing harmful activities or pollution, creating community gardens, restoring degraded areas, or purchasing more sustainable products.
It is also applied to describe strict environmental conservation actions, active restoration activities, and the sustainable use and management of resources. Stewardship actions can also be taken at diverse scales, from local to global efforts, and in both rural and urban contexts (J. Bennett et al, 2018).
The media and environmental stewardship
Ghana has a diverse and vibrant media landscape with a proliferation of several news outlets across four main channels: television, radio, print, and online operating within a mix of state, private, and community-owned media. Over the years, the media has been instrumental in setting the public policy agenda by shaping discourse and promoting citizen engagement through interactive platforms such as phone-ins, texts, and social media.
Ghana, like other countries, contends with countless environmental issues ranging from deforestation, illegal mining, to severe pollution and climate change. In the face of these challenges, the role of journalists cannot be overstated. The difficult task of serving as watchdogs, shining the light on environmental degradation, holding both the government and the Public Sector to account, and advocating for sustainable solutions falls to them.
Environmental issues often take a backseat in journalistic coverage in Ghana for a variety of reasons. Journalists may lack awareness of the significance of environmental topics or face resource constraints that limit their ability to thoroughly investigate and report on these complex issues. Additionally, audience interest is perceived as low, leading journalists to prioritize other interesting news topics.
Access to information is also a challenge, with government agencies and corporations sometimes restricting access to environmental data. Political and economic pressures, as well as personal biases, further contribute to the limited coverage of environmental issues in the media. Despite these obstacles, there is a growing recognition of the importance of environmental journalism.
As roles are considered on the individual and community levels, it may be helpful to think of six natural resource systems and desired outcomes for each one:
- Air: Sustain clean and healthy air
- Ecosystems: Protect and restore the ecosystem’s functions, goods, and services
- Energy: Generate clean energy and use it efficiently
- Land: Support ecologically sensitive land management and development
- Materials: Consume less, reduce waste, and shift to environmentally preferable materials
- Water: Sustain water resources to ensure quality and availability for desired uses
We must avoid degrading the resources we use and, whenever possible, restore and rehabilitate them to their natural conditions.
Highlighting local environmental success stories
The media can share stories of Ghana’s individuals, communities, or organisations that are successfully implementing sustainable practices and environmental conservation projects. By highlighting local success stories, the media can inspire viewers to take action.
Showcasing sustainable lifestyles
The media can showcase sustainable lifestyles and eco-friendly habits of individuals in Ghana, such as reducing plastic use, conserving water, and using renewable energy. By featuring relatable examples, the media can encourage viewers to adopt sustainable practices.
Featuring environmental heroes and champions
The media can feature environmental heroes and champions in Ghana, such as conservationists, activists, and community leaders who are working to protect the environment. By sharing their stories and achievements, the media can motivate viewers to become environmental champions.
Creating environmental education content
The media can create educational content, such as documentaries, videos, and articles, that teach viewers about environmental issues and sustainable practices in Ghana. By providing accurate and engaging information, the media can empower viewers to make informed decisions about the environment.
Encouraging community engagement and participation
The media can encourage community engagement and participation in environmental activities, such as clean-up exercises, tree-planting initiatives, and environmental campaigns in Ghana. By promoting community involvement, the media can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for environmental protection.
Using local languages and storytelling techniques
The media can use local languages and storytelling techniques to communicate environmental messages and promote sustainable practices in Ghana. By using culturally relevant and engaging storytelling methods, the media can effectively reach and inspire local audiences.
Collaborating with Influencers and Thought Leaders
The media can collaborate with influencers and thought leaders in Ghana to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices. The media can amplify environmental messages and inspire behavioural change by partnering with influential voices.
Credit:
A Conceptual Review and Analytical Framework, Environmental Management, 2018
https://archive.epa.gov/stewardship/web/pdf/rpt2admin.pdf [Accessed March 6, 2025]
https://www.jmu.edu/stewardship/what-is-environmental-stewardship.shtml {Accessed March 6, 2025]
https://policylinkglobal.org/newsroom/in-ghana-changing-behaviors-through-increased-climate-change-reporting [Accessed March 9, 2025]
https://www.myjoyonline.com/empowering-ghanas-environmental-narrative-celebrating-world-press-freedom-day-2024/ [Accessed March 9, 2025]
He is a PhD, Media & Communication student specialising in Development Communication. His research interests include climate change adaptation and climate action, environmental and participatory communication, development journalism, communication for social change, community radio, and green finance.
Connect with him via: [email protected] / [email protected]
LinkedIn: Ebenezer Asumang. [ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebenezer-asumang/ ]
