Parallel Sessions

Working with Media to Create Change

In today’s rapidly evolving environmental landscape, the responsibility of media extends beyond reporting events. It includes crafting compelling narratives that connect with audiences emotionally and intellectually, creating urgency for action while offering hope for a sustainable future. The session focused on the critical role of media in creating awareness and fostering action on pressing environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. It explored how diverse media platforms—radio, print, and social media—can collaborate with environmental advocates to inspire actionable change and promote sustainability. It aimed to empower participants, including youth, educators, and policymakers, with the tools and knowledge to effectively use media for environmental advocacy.

This session was dedicated to exploring how media and compelling storytelling can be leveraged to advance environmental awareness and action. It aimed to forge connections between participants and media professionals, offering crucial insights into effectively using creative communication to sway public opinion, influence policy, and foster collaborative environmental advocacy.

Speakers

Key Recommendations from the Session

• Schools as Catalysts for Community Engagement Through Podcasts
  • Podcasts can serve as a low-cost, easily accessible alternative to traditional media, making them ideal for schools.
  • Students can use podcasts to share stories, highlight local environmental issues, and raise awareness within their communities.
  • Schools can cover a wide range of subjects, such as climate change, waste management, and sustainable practices that resonate with their local community.
• Promoting Youth-Led Investigative Journalism
  • Youth should be equipped with the necessary skills to conduct investigative journalism, focusing on ethics, fact-checking, and the importance of reliable sources.
  • Social media offers a powerful platform for youth to share factual, well-researched content, making it possible to reach larger audiences and influence public opinion. 
• Strengthening Collaboration Between Environmental Advocates and Media Professionals
  • Strengthen partnerships between environmental organisations and media professionals to ensure accurate and wide-reaching communication of sustainability messages.
  • Work together to create campaigns that highlight critical environmental issues, bringing together both expertise and outreach power.
  • Use traditional media, digital media, and community-based channels to amplify messages, ensuring they reach diverse audiences across various demographics.
• Localised Storytelling to Reach Remote Communities
  • Environmental messages should be adapted to the cultural contexts of local communities, connecting with their beliefs, traditions, and values.
  • Use storytelling methods that are deeply rooted in local customs and languages, making the content more relatable and impactful.
•  Integrating Journalism and Storytelling Workshops in Educational Institutions
  • Educational institutions should offer workshops focusing on journalism, storytelling, and media production to equip students with the tools needed for impactful environmental reporting.
  • Provide practical training on writing, podcasting, video creation, and investigative reporting, ensuring students develop real-world skills.

Session Report+