A training workshop in Indonesia has helped journalists identify some of the key issues they face when reporting on climate change and forests.

The CIFOR-WWF workshop was held in early May in Jakarta with the aim of enhancing the media's knowledge and reporting of the often complex issues surrounding climate change. It also presented scientists and communication specialists working on climate change issues with an opportunity to better understand the needs of journalists when producing stories about this often confusing topic.

The workshop attracted the interest of 30 Indonesian journalists from national and international media outlets. Its use of interactive training methods encouraged journalists to identify and discuss climate change issues they felt unsure about.

The workshop's participatory nature also ensured the issues discussed were both relevant and beneficial. Workshop aims included:

• Increasing media awareness of key climate change issues ahead of December's UNFCCC COP 13.
• Enhancing media awareness of the inconsistencies between policies and efforts to combat climate change.
• Helping journalists to report clearly and accurately about forests and climate
• Drawing attention to climate change concepts such as adaptation, mitigation and deforestation

A highlight of the workshop was the number of issues journalists identified as central to their reporting. These included:

• Difficulties in getting up-to-date and accurate information
• Difficulties in finding suitable experts to comment on climate issues
• Different perceptions between editors and reporters regarding what is newsworthy
• Limited awareness that climate change is also a social and economic issue.