A Nigerian Radio journalist Ugochi Anyaka has been announced winner of UNEPs Young Environmental Journalist Award (YEJA) at the 12th special session of the UNEP Governing Council.

Speaking during the ceremony to recognize the best environmental journalist at the UNEP headquarters, the executive director Achim Steiner said, “Raising public awareness of today’s environmental challenges is perhaps more critical than ever.”

Steiner added that, “Looking at the large number of entries received from journalists for this years award, I am pleased to see that young journalists are becoming an increasingly vital voice for telling Africa’s story on the changing environment.”

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

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 shape opinion on the environment in Africa, and beyond, in years to come.

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

Ms. Anyikas winning report, entitled ‘Saving the trees for Paper Briquettes’ shows the opportunities in a changing climate, which include reduced health risks associated with indoor use of wood fuel and reduced deforestation.

Anyika said that her story seeks to show what some of her fellow Nigerians are doing to protect their vulnerable environment and save their very existence.