The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), through its Environment and Conservation Division (ECD), has commenced a two-day induction programme for eight environment graduate interns as part of its internship programme.
Following the induction, the interns will undertake a six-month work placement under the supervision of ECD staff.
The induction programme covers key areas, including: (a) MECDM and ECD mandates, (b) legal instruments administered by the Division, (c) conventions and international agreements that guide national plans, (d) strategies and policies implemented by the Division, and (e) priority work programmes and activities for the year.
Under the internship programme, the Ministry, through ECD, will engage the interns in several priority areas, including environmental monitoring, protected areas and community conservation site visits, data collection, research and surveys, wildlife trade and management, waste management and pollution control, as well as environmental advocacy and education, among other key responsibilities.
Speaking at the opening of the induction programme, the Director of the Environment and Conservation Division highlighted the importance of the graduate internship programme to both the Ministry and the interns.
The programme serves a dual purpose. First, it strengthens the operational capacity of ECD by engaging graduates in support areas such as monitoring of developments, waste management programmes, data collection and database management, education and awareness, and administrative support. Second, it provides meaningful opportunities for young professionals to gain hands-on experience, build their skills, and contribute directly to national environmental management efforts.
The interns were reminded that they are not in the programme simply to observe, but to actively contribute. They will also receive targeted training to support key outputs such as data collection for ECD reporting, participation in monitoring activities, contributions to awareness programmes in schools and communities, and assistance in implementing the Division’s annual work programme.
The Ministry continues to address existing capacity gaps by providing environmental graduates with a strong foundation to grow as future managers and stewards of the environment.
The programme is scheduled to conclude in September 2026.
