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The "Strengthening Transboundary Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Reporting in the Nepal-India Context" initiative, implemented by Youth Innovation Lab with support from UNESCO Nepal, aims to enhance the capacity of media organizations in Nepal and India to effectively report on climate change and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). This initiative targets the shared climate challenges faced by both countries, with a specific focus on the impacts of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), natural resource extraction, and other climate-induced disasters across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region.

The project aims to foster regional collaboration, improve data-driven journalism, and combat climate misinformation. It also seeks to strengthen investigative reporting through the integration of AI and digital tools such as data visualization, fact-checking, and geospatial mapping. This will empower journalists to report on climate issues with greater accuracy, depth, and context, ultimately contributing to more informed public discourse and policymaking.

Improve the capacity of media organizations in Nepal and India to report effectively on:

1. Climate change impacts, vulnerabilities, and adaptation strategies in the context of natural resource extraction and the HKH region.

2. Disaster risk reduction measures, with a focus on the implications of unsustainable extraction practices and GLOF risk reduction.

3. Build media’s institutional capacities to use accessible digital tools for solutions-oriented reporting on transboundary disaster impacts. Training will cover data visualization (e.g., Google Data Studio), basic data analysis, and introductory geospatial mapping (e.g., Google Earth) to track environmental changes. Journalists will also develop skills in local data sourcing and cross-border collaboration, enabling impactful and resource-efficient storytelling.

Develop and implement shared media action plans:

1. Strengthen transboundary media networks to facilitate information sharing and collaborative reporting on climate change, DRR, natural resource extraction, and GLOF risks supporting joint investigative or solutions-oriented reporting projects and shared media production, ultimately improving cross-border communication on climate issues.

2. Raise public awareness about climate change, DRR, the impacts of unsustainable extraction practices, and GLOF risks.

3. Promote community-based disaster preparedness and risk reduction initiatives.

This program is designed for senior-level media professionals who are positioned to drive strategic change within their media and influence climate reporting, particularly on transboundary issues in the Nepal-India region. Ideal candidates will play a pivotal role in shaping their organization’s approach to climate reporting, disaster risk reduction, and environmental coverage.

Specifically, we encourage applications from:

• Environment Journalists, Newsroom Managers: Individuals responsible for setting editorial direction and shaping news coverage related to climate change, DRR, and transboundary environmental issues.

• Digital Strategists, Multi-media Journalists: Professionals responsible for integrating digital tools and data-driven storytelling into climate reporting, including data visualization, analysis, and geospatial mapping.

• Senior Producers and Program Managers: Those who can significantly impact the production and dissemination of climate and DRR content across various media platforms (print, digital, radio, television).
   

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in senior-level media management, with a proven track record of influencing editorial decisions.

• A strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities in reporting on climate change, DRR, and transboundary environmental issues, particularly in the context of the Hindu Kush Himalaya region.

• The capacity to implement new reporting strategies, integrate digital tools, and foster cross-border collaboration within their media organizations.

• Commitment to enhancing their organization's ability to report on transboundary climate issues.

• The ability to utilize the training to create lasting change within their news organizations as well as foster collaborations with other media in both India and Nepal.
   

The impacts of climate change and natural disasters, particularly in the HKH region, transcend national borders. Issues such as GLOFs, deforestation, soil erosion, and changes in water resources require coordinated regional responses. Despite their significance, the media coverage of such transboundary issues is often fragmented or misrepresented.

By participating in this initiative, you will:

• Enhance reporting skills: Gain advanced skills in data-driven journalism, climate reporting, and the use of digital tools like AI and geospatial mapping.

• Collaborate regionally: Work alongside journalists from both Nepal and India to produce high-impact, cross-border investigative stories that address shared environmental concerns.

• Combat misinformation: Learn effective strategies to detect and counter misinformation related to climate change and disaster risks, using fact-checking and data visualization techniques.

• Build professional networks: Connect with fellow journalists, media experts, and policymakers, creating long-term opportunities for collaboration in climate reporting.

• Mentorship: Receive guidance and support from experienced mentors throughout the project duration, helping you to refine your reporting and investigative techniques.
   

The program will span over six months, and the selected participants will engage in the initiative through the following stages:

• Three-day workshop: A hands-on workshop in Kathmandu, Nepal, designed to introduce participants to advanced climate reporting techniques, data journalism, and cross-border collaborative reporting. The workshop will also include sessions on the ethical aspects of climate reporting, addressing misinformation, and incorporating digital tools into storytelling.

• Mentorship and story development: After the workshop, participants will receive mentorship and story development support to develop investigative reports on climate and DRR issues. This phase will focus on developing impactful stories, with guidance from regional climate experts and mentors.

• Collaborative reporting: Journalists from Nepal and India will be paired up to produce joint stories, focusing on transboundary environmental issues such as GLOFs, river basins, and the effects of climate change on local communities. These stories will be published in media outlets across the region.

• Follow-up networking and knowledge exchange: Regular follow-up sessions and networking opportunities will be provided, ensuring ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange among participants. A digital platform will be used to facilitate continuous communication and resource sharing.
   

Interested applicants must submit an online application form. All applications will be reviewed by a selection committee based on relevance, experience, and commitment to cross-border climate journalism. Selected participants will be notified via email.

Expectations from participants

• Actively participate in the workshop, discussions, and mentorship sessions.

• Develop and publish at least one cross-border climate or DRR story in collaboration with media professionals from the other country (India/Nepal).

• Engage with fellow journalists to foster long-term collaborations on transboundary environmental issues.
  Share learnings and insights from the initiative within their respective media networks.

• By participating in this initiative, journalists and media professionals will play a vital role in strengthening the accuracy and impact of climate and DRR reporting in the Nepal-India region.

Note: We are no longer accepting applications for this opportunity.