Introduction

By R. Gonzalez, Latin America and Caribbean Desk, Communication Division,
A. Alfonzo, Regional Communication Adviser.

The communication situation prevailing in Latin America is very specific: while there exist highly developed print and electronic media, of which some are known worldwide, small and community media usually have very limited means, in particular in rural and marginalized urban areas. The Santiago Plan of Action has guided UNESCO's communication strategy in the region, including the initiatives financed with extra-budgetary resources. It is in this document, adopted by four hundred Latin American and Caribbean journalists, that the IPDC and donor agencies are requested to support projects for the creation of new community media, both print and broadcast, and projects aimed at strengthening existing community media in accordance with international norms, especially those media serving women, youth, indigenous populations and minorities. Moreover, the Plan of Action calls for support to the creation of networks, documentation centers and data bases in the Latin American and Caribbean countries in order for journalists and broadcasters to have access to international information, as well as manuals, texts, compact discs (CD-ROM) and other kinds of training material. Communication projects have focused on community media and communication networks which aim to increase the flow of information for marginalized groups, particularly women, children, indigenous people and rural communities. Training for programme-makers and journalists representing these groups and their increased access to new communication technologies have been two priority areas. The cultural, political and economic integration processes experienced in Latin America, such as those represented by MERCOSUR and the Andres Bello Agreement, have been strengthened with communication programmes seeking media involvement and citizens' participation. The production of educational and cultural media programmes aiming at promoting a culture of tolerance, integration and peace have been given special attention. The promotion of media ethical values, independent criteria, intellectual excellence and rigour in investigative journalism is particularly important in Latin America if democratic processes are to be strengthened and people's participation increased. Initiatives for the improvement of journalism have therefore been supported. The IPDC Special Account has played a crucial role in this region as very few donors provide funds for communication development in Latin America. As for extra-budgetary informatics activities one project has recently been approved. The project is focusing on the development of training and practical applications of Internet and Intranet in the field of diplomacy.