In the heart of Lagos’ lush Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC), a vital step toward Nigeria’s environmental future quietly unfolded.
Journalists from across Nigeria convened for an intensive workshop titled “Effective Reporting for Conservation and Climate Impacts on Biodiversity and People in Nigeria.”
Drawn from radio, TV, print, online, and podcast platforms, the participants were united by a singular goal: to better inform and inspire Nigerians through powerful environmental storytelling.
Organized under the Climate Resilience for Critical Sites for Migratory Birds and People along the East Atlantic Flyway (CREAF) project—funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Government—the training marked a milestone in building the media’s capacity to tackle urgent global threats such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
Speaking at the opening session, Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), hailed the journalists’ commitment.
“The media is a powerful ally in the fight against climate change,” he said.
“You know how to communicate with your audiences. Your voices can demystify complex scientific data and ensure that the Nigerian public—urban or rural—understands what is at stake.
This training is not just a workshop. It is a call to action. You are now ambassadors.”
Onoja also expressed gratitude to IKI for supporting the program, which aligns with Nigeria’s commitments under the Ramsar Convention—a global treaty signed in 1971 aimed at halting the degradation of wetlands and preserving their role as sanctuaries for birds, biodiversity, and livelihoods.
In a powerful online statement, the NCF emphasized the urgency behind the training:
“The media shapes how we see the world. Yet, climate change, biodiversity loss, and the degradation of critical ecosystems often go underreported due to lack of tools and training. This program equips journalists to change that.”
Birds as Barometers of Change
One of the standout voices during the workshop was Dr. Stella Egbe, Senior Conservation Manager, Species Programme at NCF. In her presentation titled “Nigeria’s Biodiversity Hotspots, Wetlands and Monitoring Activities,” Dr. Egbe painted a sobering picture of declining bird populations—vital indicators of ecological health.
“Birds tell the story of our environment,” she explained. “Their declining numbers reflect habitat loss, climate shifts, and human activity. Migratory species that once frequented Nigerian wetlands are either vanishing or changing patterns. That should alarm us all.”
Dr. Egbe called for reinforced wetland protection, sustainable livelihoods for surrounding communities, and integrating bird and habitat conservation into national land use and climate planning.
From Problems to Possibilities
The training wasn’t just about identifying problems—it was about reporting hope. In a refreshing session on Solution Journalism for Climate Mitigation, development communicator Kunle Olawoyin challenged participants to shift narratives.
“Stop painting a picture of doom,” he urged. “People are overwhelmed by bad news. Instead, spotlight what’s working—community-led conservation, climate-smart agriculture, or local innovation. Let the story inspire action.”
Kunle highlighted story angles ripe for impact, such as urban bird sanctuaries, climate-resilient farming, and successful conservation efforts driven by local communities.
The Craft of Credibility
Award-winning journalist Esther Omopariola walked participants through the ethical foundations of environmental reporting.
“A good climate story is more than data,” she said. “It must be factual, balanced, human-centered, and stir public emotion—without sensationalism.”
Her interactive session emphasized the importance of diverse sources, storytelling accuracy, and solutions-oriented framing to galvanize real-world impact.
Immersed in Nature’s Classroom
Beyond lectures and group work, participants explored the stunning 78-hectare Lekki Conservation Centre—home to crocodiles, fish, rare birds, a 100-year-old tortoise, and Africa’s longest canopy walkway, rising 22.5 meters above ground.
From the treehouse to the boardwalks, the visit offered more than a change of scenery—it provided a live template for the type of stories participants were being trained to tell.
Journalists from the Niger Delta and Northern Nigeria—where climate change and environmental degradation are most acute—expressed deep appreciation for the centre’s role in conservation and called for similar initiatives across the country.
Reporting by Innocent Onoh