Meet Thobo Motlhoka, one of our Conservation Journalists from Botswana

Please tell us your name and the country where you come from.

My name is Thobo Motlhoka, and I work for the Sunday Standard in Botswana.

What motivated you to become a journalist?

When I was a young child, reading the newspapers and periodicals my father brought home sparked my interest in journalism. I then became interested in writing.

What made you decide to specialize in environmental reporting?

Currently, I don’t specialize, but since I started the Space for Giants fellowship, my environmental reporting has multiplied. My interest in environmental concerns, especially wildlife protection, has grown due to the training.

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

The media continues to be a crucial instrument for educating people about the value of preserving and coexisting with nature. The media can also be used to put pressure on governments to pass the required laws to ensure the protection of the environment and wildlife.

What is the most interesting part of being an environmental reporter?

The endless lesson I continue to learn from nature through my reporting motivates me. 

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

Climate is the biggest threat to Botswana’s wildlife population. The dams and rivers are continually drying up, and water levels are dropping annually. Human-wildlife conflicts are anticipated to increase as water scarcity continues to grow.

What are some challenges you encountered as a conservation journalist? 

Access to information remains one of Botswana’s biggest challenges for Conservation Journalists. 

What kind of support have you received from the program?

The Master Classes and interactions with Conservation Journalists from various African nations have been invaluable in exchanging information and advice for reporting on conservation, even though the stipend for stories goes a long way toward reducing the costs of covering stories.

Which is your favourite story that you’ve worked on? Why?

I have written countless articles on conservation so far, but I still believe my favourite story has yet to be written. I have not yet written at the level and created as much impact with my stories as I would love to. 
What advice would you give to an aspiring environmental journalist?

I would advise environmental journalists to join groups of like-minded reporters and experts to diversify their understanding of environmental issues. It is the lessons we learn from one another that takes us a step further. 

Are you hopeful for the future? Why?

I remain hopeful because of the support I get from organisations like Space for Giants. Their support keeps us going as environmental journalists, particularly given the limited support we get from our newsrooms.