Amidst ongoing concerns about climate change and the need to sustain the environment, the Elena de’light Foundation, through its project Elena Delight Women and Youths Environmental Ambassadors (EWOYEA), has initiated the training of youth and women photojournalists to promote advocacy for a sustainable environment.
The Project Coordinator, Elena de’Light Foundation, Isaac Ateko Abu, said during the training exercise that a flourishing environment will provide a conducive environment for human socio-cultural and economic development, while a deteriorating environment will lead to the opposite.
He said, “EWOYEA seeks to create awareness around human activities as they relate to a thriving and flourishing Mother Earth and train women and youths with requisite in-demand skills in photography and environmental reporting so that we can collectively lend our voice in collaboration with government agencies and global environmental advocates to achieve a blossoming and healthy environment.”.
Christy Halima Elukpo, Co-Founder and Project Manager, Elena de’Light Foundation, explained that photography is not just a medium for capturing moments but a powerful tool for storytelling, documenting change, and inspiring action. She also said it allows the user to freeze time, showcase beauty, and, importantly, spotlight the pressing environmental challenges faced today.
She further explained that the decision to train young women in photography stems from a vision where the lens of a camera becomes a conduit for change.
“Young women, with their unique perspectives and innate creativity, hold the potential to become formidable advocates for our environment. They can tell stories that resonate, that move people to see beyond the obvious, and that compel action.
“A single image can convey the urgency of climate change, the beauty of biodiversity, or the devastation of environmental degradation in ways that words alone often cannot. It is a universal language that everyone understands, regardless of background or culture.
“By training young women in photography, we are not just giving them technical skills; we are equipping them with the power to influence change. These young photographers will document the impact of human activities on our planet, capture the beauty of nature that we strive to protect, and create visual narratives that inspire others to join the cause.
“Moreover, this initiative is about empowerment. Women are often on the front lines of environmental challenges, particularly in communities where they are primary carers and stewards of natural resources. By training them to use photography, we give them a voice, a platform to share their experiences, and a means to advocate for their communities and the environment,” Elukpo added.
Godspower Martins, Executive Director, Urban Rural Environmental Defenders (URED) said, “It is essential for women and youths to engage in using photography as a powerful tool to advocate for a safe and healthy environment. By capturing images that highlight environmental degradation caused by human activities, they can raise awareness and propose solutions, contributing to a sustainable future.”.
Martins, who was presenting a keynote address, said that, from the perspective of climate change, which is both multi-dimensional and complex, photography plays a crucial role in conveying its impact. He said that through visual documentation, one can feel the urgency and observe the effects of climate change in specific areas.
“The increasing frequency of thunderstorms and strong winds, for instance, can be captured to demonstrate how climate change is affecting different regions. These images can tell compelling stories that drive government action for timely interventions,” he added.
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