Deutsche Welle and WWF expand co-operation

Deutsche Welle and the WWF, the nature conservation organisation, have agreed to expand their existing co-operation. A corresponding agreement was signed on 12 February 2003, in the new broadcasting centre in Bonn. Under the agreement, the international broadcaster is to re-name Man and Environment, its international award-winning environment magazine, Living Planet.

The title is used by WWF for its index and periodic reports on the state of the world’s ecosystems and the pressure they are under due to the consumption of natural resources.

The media partnership marks a continuation of a loose co-operation between DW-RADIO and WWF, which has resulted in several feature series in recent years, including “WWF Eco-Regions” and „Indigenous Peoples – Partners in Conservation“. The radio programmes have won several awards in the renowned new York International Radio Festivals, including the environment silver medal in 2003, the gold in 2001 and a special United Nations gold award in 2001 for „outstanding radio programmes which best exemplify the ideals and goals of the United Nations“.

To mark the 40th birthday of WWF Germany in 2003, DW-RADIO is presenting a selection of projects supported by the German section of the organisation in this country and abroad.

The co-operation is in line with Deutsche Welle’s aim of promoting sustainable development in its programming, in conjunction with international partners. The international broadcaster carries out international co-productions with partner stations in developing countries with the support of the German Ministry for Economic Co-operation. The English Service also co-operates with the GTZ aid agency, UNESCO and UNICEF on feature series.

At the signing ceremony, DW-RADIO editor-in-chief Uta Thofern-Dieste said „Promoting sustainable development to protect our natural resources is one of DW’s main goals in our target areas Africa and Asia. We are pleased to have found in WWF a renowned partner with vast experience in this area“. WWF Director of Communications, Thomas Schultz-Jagow, who signed the agreement on behalf of his organisation, said „Deutsche Welle, with its global availability, is an ideal media partner for us, enabling WWF to provide detailed information on conservation problems and solutions.“

DW-RADIO’s English Service broadcasts around the clock, to listeners all over the world. The first edition of Living Planet will be broadcast with the change to the winter programme schedule (from 26.10.2003), every Thursday at 16:30 UTC and at two-hour intervals to reach listeners at prime time in the respective area.

12 September 2003
184/03

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