Dakar, Senegal - Ugochi Anyaka, a radio journalist from Nigeria, has been named “winner” of  United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Young Environmental Journalist Award (YEJA), beating over 120 entries from reporters across Africa, organizers announced Tuesday. Launched in 2010, the UNEP Young Environmental Journalist Award aims to showcase excellence in the field of environmental reporting and nurture new talent that will help to shape opinion on the environment in Africa, and beyond, in years to come.

The UNEP, in a statement, said Anyaka, aged 28 years, received her award at a special ceremony held during the 12th Special Session of the UNEP Governing Council/ Global Ministerial Environment Forum in Nairobi, Kenya.

Her winning report, entitled “Saving the Trees for Paper Briquettes”, was broadcast on ASO Radio in Nigeria, where Ms. Anyaka works as a journalist and presenter.

The radio feature was said to have profiled a project in a low-income suburb of Abuja that manufactures briquettes from waste paper, in order to provide an alternative fuel to traditional firewood.

Ms. Anyaka’s report also discusses the role of the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

“This story was done to show the opportunities in a changing climate - and not just the woes,” said Anyaka.

“It also seeks to show the conflicting view points about the Clean Development Mechanism. But ultimately, it tells the story of what some Nigerians are doing to protect their vulnerable environment and save their very existence.”

“Winning the UNEP Young Environmental Journalist Award is the greatest moment of joy in my career. It is such an honour to be recognized in this manner,” she added.

The project aims to reduce the health risks associated with indoor use of wood fuel, reduce deforestation and provide a source of income for the briquette makers.

The award is made possible through funding support from the US Department of State.

This year’s contest attracted a total of 127 entries received in English and French from television, radio, online and print journalists in 28 countries.

The YEJA jury described Ms. Anyaka’s winning entry as a “well-researched report that clearly explained the essence of reducing green house gas emissions and the need for creating environmental development in Africa”.

The winner was presented with her specially-commissioned trophy by Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director, Joseph Murphy, US Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-HABITAT and Patricia Okoed-Bukumunhe, the winner of last year’s Award.

Pana 22/02/2012