Wetlands for LiFE: Media Consultation Programme
The "Wetlands for LiFE Media Consultation Programme" engaged over 150 media professionals from various media houses, equipping them with essential knowledge and storytelling techniques to effectively report on wetland conservation issues. Through focused sessions on wetland ecology and environmental journalism, participants gained a deeper understanding of ecosystem challenges and threats, empowering them to raise awareness and encourage public and policy-driven conservation efforts.
This initiative provided specialized skills for accurate reporting on wetland issues, helping to mainstream conservation in media coverage and fostering informed public discourse. By addressing the challenges wetlands face and emphasizing impactful storytelling, the programme empowered journalists to advocate for proactive conservation initiatives, ensuring wetlands received the attention they deserve.
Held on July 16–17, 2024, at Hotel the Panache, South Gandhi Maidan, Patna, Bihar, this Regional Media Consultation was a pivotal two-day programme attended by 60 participants, including journalists and key stakeholders from various media houses across Bihar. Participants engaged in expert-led sessions covering the significance of wetlands, current conservation challenges, and strategies for effective communication between media and civil society.
Key outcomes included a field visit to Debkal Chaur, where participants gained practical insights into wetland ecosystems. The consultation emphasized the urgent need for enhanced media involvement in raising public awareness about wetland conservation issues in Bihar.
Held on September 13–14, 2024, at Regenta Central, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, this Regional Media Consultation gathered 40 participants, including journalists and environmental experts, to enhance media engagement with wetland conservation issues in the region. The program featured expert-led sessions covering the importance of wetlands in Uttar Pradesh, ongoing conservation initiatives, and a dynamic media roundtable discussion focused on bridging the gap between media and civil society.
Key outcomes included a field visit to Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, a Ramsar site. The consultation encouraged the continuous collaborative efforts among journalists, researchers, and government entities to further advance the reporting on wetland ecosystem.
Held from November 21–23, 2024, at the Hamdard Convention Centre, The LaLiT, and Surajpur Wetlands, this event brought together over 150 participants, including journalists, students, and policymakers, to advocate for wetland conservation.
The program featured “Empowering Future Journalists” on Day 1, focusing on environmental journalism basics and the storytelling potential of wetlands with budding journalists, and “Enhancing Media Engagement” on Day 2 with senior journalists, which explored advanced conservation reporting techniques and media’s role in shaping narratives. A field visit to the Surajpur Wetlands on Day 3 provided hands-on learning about biodiversity and conservation challenges. This cumulative consultation emphasized Indian wetlands’ roles in biodiversity, climate resilience, and water security while equipping participants with tools for impactful storytelling.
