Mongabay at the 20th Meeting of the Parties (MoP20) Congo Basin Forest Partnership

    Mongabay is deepening its footprint in Central Africa with a strategic approach focused on solutions journalism. This approach aims to provide a more accurate, balanced, and nuanced view of the region, countering the disproportionately negative narrative often portrayed by Western media.

    Expanding Mongabay’s Network of Journalists in Kinshasa

    Savanna and forest mosiac in the Congo Basin, including recently burned areas. Photo by Rhett A. Butler for Mongabay.
    Savanna and forest mosiac in the Congo Basin, including recently burned areas. Photo by Rhett A. Butler for Mongabay.

    During the Congo Basin Forest Partnership meeting, Mongabay will host an impact-driven event that marks a significant step in the expansion of Mongabay’s presence across the African continent. It will feature a panel discussion on “Changing the Narrative: Positive Conservation Stories from Africa” and a workshop on “Communicating Conservation Science.”

    Additionally, Mongabay will host a lecture at the Institut Facultaire des Sciences de l’Information et de la Communication (IFASIC) on “Introduction to Climate and Environment Journalism” and a gathering with journalists to discuss the numerous paid opportunities at Mongabay for those passionate about conservation and environmental journalism.

    Strategic Focus on Solutions Journalism

    Mongabay’s strategy for expanding its activities in Central Africa, rooted in solutions journalism, aims to shift the narrative by focusing on positive conservation initiatives, innovations, and success stories from the region. This effort complements its hard-hitting investigative journalism that exposes bad practices and poor governance issues in the Congo Basin Forest space, ultimately fostering a comprehensive understanding of the region’s natural resources and promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation.

    Mongabay’s commitment to promoting positive change in Central Africa through solutions journalism exemplifies the power of media in shaping narratives and driving meaningful action. As the platform expands its activities and outreach in the region, it is set to become a driving force in fostering a more balanced and hopeful portrayal of Central Africa’s environmental landscape.

    The Congo Basin, which spans several countries in Central Africa, is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. The basin is home to various unique species, including gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, and okapis. However, the Congo Basin is also threatened by numerous environmental challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, pollution, and ocean conservation.