Hands On - Global

This project uses television, radio, the Internet, and printed materials to feature environmental initiatives that may be of interest to communities, entrepreneurs, NGOs, governmental agencies, and small-scale enterprise. The strategy involves informing and inspiring people by sharing examples of individuals, communities, and businesses that are adopting technologies and management practices in an effort to protect and enhance the environment.

The 5-minute features can be used as self-contained items and are packaged into 2 Hands On Omnibus editions. In addition, half-hour thematic programmes fronted by celebrities such as Prince Charles are available separately. As of this writing, the 5th series of Hands On is being broadcast on BBC News 24 (Saturday) and then repeated on BBC World (Sunday), as well as on 14 other stations worldwide. The programmes are searchable on the Hands On page on TVE website.

To date, Hands On has covered issues such as sustainable farming, building, mining, health, transport, energy, recycling, agro-forestry and innovative production methods. NGOs and businesses supply stories on best practices. For example, "Safety Caps" features a campaign to promote the use of safety caps on paraffin/petrol containers to reduce the risk of child deaths from poisoning in South Africa. Another story focusses on a micro-credit project that re-uses human waste.

Previously, full broadcasts of the programmes were available on the OneWorld radio website. (As of this writing, this is no longer the case). Radio producers were able to download the audio from the broadcasts, inserting items into their own radio shows. As part of an enquiry service managed by ITDG, viewers and listeners to these companion radio programmes could access briefs prepared by the unit through the Internet, as well as by email, fax, and post.

Environment, Economic Development.

TVE is an independent production and distribution non-profit company, established by Central Television (now Carlton TV) in 1984, to specialise in environment, development, health and human rights issues. All its films for broadcast are made on an editorially-independent basis.