InfoNile with support from JRS Biodiversity is calling for Science and Communication students to register to participate in a Science Communication competition on Groundwater and Biodiversity in the Nile Basin.
A group of 2-3 university students including at least one science student and one communication or journalism student are invited to apply for this program that involves training before they embark on working on their submissions. The top three groups stand a chance to win monetary prizes, certificates and trophies. Their submissions will also be published by InfoNile, Water Journalists Africa and pitched to media partners.
Background
Over 70% of the earth’s surface is covered in water. But of that water, just 1% is readily available for human use, and of that 1%, 99% of it is stored beneath our feet as groundwater. We all rely on groundwater in some way. But why groundwater and biodiversity?
This year we would like to encourage and promote the various aspects of groundwater and biodiversity, their vital role in the Nile River Basin, threats posed to them and ways of mitigating these threats. The aim of this competition is to inform our youths on the value of groundwater and biodiversity in our communities. From this, they will be able to employ their already acquired skills in science and research to communicate effectively to the general public. This is in effort to attract more attention and action geared towards conservation of groundwater and biodiversity.
Who can participate?
Any team of 2-3 university students. The team must include at least one science student and one communication or journalism student.
How can students participate?
Choose any scientific research article about groundwater or biodiversity or both in the Nile Basin and communicate it in no more than 5 minutes to the judges. Feel free to be creative in your communication methods by using visual aids, art, speeches, video, audio, text, photography, and any other form of communication that can be understood by the general public.
Possible outputs include:
- a short video documentary or film
- a podcast
- a photo story
- an essay
- a live mock television show (for example, an journalist interview with a scientist)
- a short drama
- a poem
Your submission should be creative and engaging, focusing on various aspects of groundwater and biodiversity, associated threats and how we can resolve these issues. You can also incorporate various responses and solutions that are being implemented thus far.
Below are a few research on groundwater and biodiversity. You are also free to do your own research:
- NBI Fact Sheet on Kagera Basin
- Groundwater Fact Sheet
- Groundwater contamination
- What is groundwater and what does this mean to fauna? – An opinion
- Overview of groundwater in the Nile River Basin
- Groundwater-Dependent Biodiversity and Associated Threats:
- Groundwater-Dependent Ecosystems
- Groundwater
- Meeting current and future demands of water
- Overview of groundwater in the Nile river basin
Training
All applicants will be offered a spot in the Science Communication training. All adequate submissions will be promoted by InfoNile and #GroundwaterandBiodiversity. Top submissions will be published by InfoNile, Water Journalists Africa and pitched to media partners.
Judging Criteria:
- Relevance of groundwater and biodiversity Scientific Research;
- Accuracy in Communicating Scientific Research;
- Ease of Understanding the Science and Impact;
- Creativity and Engagement;
- Teamwork;
- Depth and Impact.
Expert Judges- 70% of the final score will come from the team of expert judges, composed of a science journalist, a scientist, and an InfoNile staff.
Social Media- 30% of the final score will come from the social media platforms (shares, comments, likes). Members of the public will be able to see all submissions and vote for their favorite.
How to Apply
Submit your application by completing this form: Application Form
Registration Deadline: 14th October 2022
This workshop is organized with funding from JRS Biodiversity Foundation.
