Ebolowa: Transparency Int’l sharping skills of journalists on reporting environmental crimes.

Organised by Transparency International, TI Cameroon, the seminar is focused on equipping participants with the necessary techniques on investigating environmental crimes in the country.

Experts at the workshop include, Claude Hyepdo, senior staff of TI Cameroon; Fabrice Lamfu of Greenpeace Africa, and Adrienne Engono, a frontline freelance journalist. 

The various experts have been taking turns to share their experiences with participants attending the workshop.

While Claude Hyepdo delivered presentation on financial climate change: in the case of Cameroon, Fabrice Lamfu zoomed into his experience on investigating environmental crimes. 

For her part, journalist Adrienne Engono spoke on precise case of studies on techniques of investigation.

Transparency International Cameroon officials told participants at the opening that the workshop was being organised to broaden their understanding of the linkages between finance and climate change by "informing them on how financial markets, investment decisions and banking practices impact climate change and vice versa".

They said the workshop also sought to "equip journalists with tools and methodologies necessary to conduct in-depth investigations into the financial sector's role in mitigating climate change".

In a seminar note handed participants during the workshop, Transparency International Cameroon explained that "corruption related to climate change in Cameroon is mainly divided into two aspects; the allocation of funds and the management of those funds".

The anti-corruption group said there was a growing recognition of the need for urgent action to mitigate climate change and adapt to its effects.

The financial sector in Cameroon, they disclosed, plays a crucial role in financing activities that either contribute to or mitigate climate change. This, the group continued, "includes investments in fossil fuels, renewable energy, infrastructure and sustainable development projects as well as insurance and risk management practices related to climate risks".

"Due to this, there is a growing demand for transparency and accountability towards the finance of climate change for stakeholders, including investors, regulators, civil society organisations and the public," the group added.

It then stated that "since 2014, TI Cameroon has been committed to promoting transparency in the management of climate funds. TI Cameroon has extensive experience working with all stakeholders involved in the climate governance in Cameroon. TI Cameroon has also monitored governance in pilot projects contributing to the promotion of good climate governance through capacity building of community actors and project promoters".