African Conservation Journalism

We spoke to Caroline Chebet of the Standard from Kenya about some key highlights of telling conservation stories and this is what she had to say:

1.What role can the media play in reducing wildlife crime, biodiversity loss, and mitigating climate change?

Media is one of the greatest advocacy tools that can be used to raise awareness and educate people on the importance of conserving the planet and the impacts that come with biodiversity loss. The media can also help tell stories on climate change mitigation and inspire policies for change.

2. What is the most exciting part of being an environmental reporter?

The most exciting part is that I travel, meet new people and grow networks. I also learn a lot from experts in different fields. Through these experiences, I have been able to understand and write scientific topics with ease.

3. What’s the most pressing environmental problem in your region?

Biodiversity loss. Like any other country, the rate of biodiversity loss is of great concern. We are witnessing species that once thrived in abundance disappear because of human activities.  

4. What are some of the challenges you encountered as a conservation journalist?

There is limited access to government data on various environmental topics.

5. What kind of support have you received from the African Conservation Journalism program?

The program has equipped me with skills in approaching stories from all angles, including writing straightforward news stories and in-depth and investigative stories for local and international audiences. I have learnt that not all is gloom and that there are many untold stories of success too. I have learned that conservation is not only about modern techniques and approaches but also that indigenous practices (often least told) are critical in conserving our planet.

6. Which is one of your favourite stories? Why?

The story which I felt like it stood out was that of an investigative piece on the disappearing African grey parrots in Kenya. While many reports on smuggling and trafficking focus on the “Big Five”, this one focused on a bird which is less talked about despite being the world’s most trafficked bird. Through a grant from Internews’ Earth Journalism Network, I managed to unearth a thriving online business exploiting the birds in the country. The story revealed the trafficking routes and the loopholes in arresting and prosecuting the criminals. 

Months later, after the story was featured, the Kenyan government gazetted that it was against the law to own unregistered parrots in the country. I felt this was an achievement; hopefully, the government will do more to ensure Kenya’s threatened African grey parrots are protected.

7. What advice would you give to an aspiring environmental journalist?

Nothing is more satisfying than telling stories that change the world for the better. There is so much that happens that we can tell, and it will take passionate journalists to bring out these issues to inspire policies and change narratives

8. Are you hopeful for the future? Why?

Yes. I am hopeful, given that these stories are getting much more prominent and sparking conversations across Africa.