CONCEPT NOTE — Strengthening media capacity for climate-change and disaster reporting in conflict-affected areas

1. Background and rationale. Climate change is one of the world’s most pressing challenges. In Africa, droughts, floods, coastal erosion and desertification worsen existing vulnerabilities and can contribute to conflict over natural resources, population displacement and food insecurity.

Media are central to information, awareness and public mobilisation, but coverage of climate and disaster issues remains insufficient, especially during crises and conflicts where reliable information is harder to obtain and misinformation can spread quickly. In fragile settings, populations are highly exposed, communications infrastructure may be damaged and life-saving information must be transmitted quickly and credibly.

2. Building on the Mauritius experience. A previous edition of the initiative in Mauritius strengthened journalists’ understanding of climate issues, disaster reporting and ethical crisis communication. It also encouraged networking and cooperation among media, scientists and public institutions.

3. Objectives. The project seeks to strengthen media professionals’ ability to report effectively and responsibly on climate change and disasters, particularly in conflict settings. Specific objectives include improving climate and disaster-risk knowledge, building crisis-communication skills, promoting reliable and locally sensitive information, and encouraging quality reporting on the links between climate, disasters and conflict.

4. Main activities. Activities include virtual training for journalists in Lake Chad Basin countries, practical disaster-reporting sessions, contributions from climate and risk-management experts, case studies and the creation of a specialist journalist network.

5. Expected results. Expected results include improved climate and disaster coverage, stronger media capacity in crisis environments, better public awareness of risks and prevention measures, and a sustainable network of journalists working on these issues.

6. Expected impact. The project aims to strengthen community resilience, improve information flows during crises and support disaster-risk-management efforts by governments and international organisations.

7. Conclusion. As climate crises and conflicts intensify, investment in journalists’ capacity is essential to ensure reliable, accessible and responsible information for vulnerable populations.