The document discusses the creation of a Journalists Network on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) by the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C). Some key points: GWP-C aims to promote knowledge sharing and communications as one of its strategic goals. It plans to create a journalists network to disseminate information on IWRM to raise public awareness. The network will empower journalists with technical expertise and provide opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange. It will facilitate the inclusion of journalists in GWP-C events and promote their work online to expand outreach. The goal is to build understanding of water issues through strategic messaging targeted at stakeholders.

1. Caribbean Journalists Network on IWRM Presented by Ms. Gabrielle Lee Look (Communications Officer, GWP-C) The 1 st Regional Media Workshop on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) of Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) and the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU). Barbados, December 10 th , 2010.

2. Knowledge Sharing: A Key Strategic Goal GWP-C is guided by the four (4) strategic goals of the global organisation, which are: Goal 1: Promote water as a key part of sustainable national development. Goal 2 : Address critical development challenges. Goal 3: Reinforce knowledge sharing and communications Goal 4: Build a more effective Network.

3. Knowledge Sharing: A Key Strategic Goal Some of the key communication tools used to support better water management: GWP-C Website (Launch of new website by January 2011) GWP-C Newsletters IWRM Videos Brochures Workshop Reports Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, SlideShare, Youtube, Flickr, LinkedIn) Journalists Network on IWRM

4. GWP Journalists Networks What are Journalists Networks in the GWP context? A Journalist Network is a body of journalists from a GWP region that are empowered to build awareness on IWRM or water related issues in their country or region. The Journalist Network provides a system of communications and support that allows journalists to collaborate rather than work as isolated individuals on IWRM and key related development issues. The GWP network recognises the critical importance of the role of media and its power in advocating for water being at the top of the development agenda. With the capacity to assist media practitioners to understand an integrated approach to water sustainability, the GWP Organisation endorses the formation of Journalists Networks.

5. Why Create a Journalists Network on IWRM? Journalists/Media practitioners are pivotal players in the dissemination of information to the general public and key water stakeholders such as decision-makers/policy makers who can affect change. Often times crucial information on water resources management and the impacts of related development challenges such as climate change, do not reach people at the community or grassroots level. The media can therefore help in raising awareness on water resources management and its many related areas that affect society daily. Greater knowledge sharing by media on water related issues can trigger greater knowledge sharing among the public. The media has the tools to enhance awareness on IWRM linkages to sustainable development among the public and other key audiences.

6. Benefits of IWRM Journalists Network Based on the experiences of other GWP regions that have successfully formed IWRM journalists’ networks, here are some of its benefits: Builds the technical understanding and expertise of journalists. Journalists feel more empowered to write and report on water resources issues. Creates opportunities for cross and inter-regional linkages with other journalists globally where experiences and lessons learnt can be used for greater knowledge sharing. Quality outputs by journalists (articles, case studies) are used for research and reference by others.

7. How Would GWP-C Journalist Network on IWRM Work? Inclusion in GWP-C Activities: Inclusion of journalists in GWP-C activities (training, IWRM dialogues, HLS Ministerial Forum etc.) nationally and regionally. The Journalists Network would be included as part of the new GWP-C website (E.g. Information on membership). Work of the journalists (articles, case studies) can be given visibility on the GWP-C website and the GWP Toolbox.

8. How Would GWP-C Journalist Network on IWRM Work? Knowledge Sharing and Dissemination: - Dissemination of information and awareness building materials to journalists. It can share knowledge with media through technical documents, GWP Toolbox, videos, publications and other tools. - Dissemination of information to journalists will be done mainly via e-mail. Development of a database of journalists with interest in water resource management, environmental management, climate change etc. Develop Strategic Messages - GWP-C can help the media to articulate and deliver strategic messages on IWRM targeted at crucial stakeholders.

9. Values of the Journalists Network GWP-C is guided by the core values of the global network. These are inclusiveness, openness, transparency, accountability, respect, gender- sensitivity and solidarity. In abiding by these core values GWP-C endorses a Journalists Network that: Reports fairly on issues. Is ethical in reporting or disseminating information. Is professional in its activities.

10. Be a Part of the Journalists Network GWP-C invites you to be a part of our Journalists Network. GWP-C would also like you to recommend other journalists in your country that can be invited.

11. THANK YOU!