Communicators’ Workshop on Uncounted Loss and Damage in the Bay of Bengal – India

The workshop will help communicators improve their understanding of these climate change impacts that are rarely considered by national governments and receive little to no media coverage.

The sessions will examine how nuanced and community-centered coverage can help bring NELD to policymakers’ attention, and lead to better acknowledgement of the cultural, social and environmental dimensions of climate impacts, thus advancing more just and equitable solutions and responses.

At the workshop, thematic experts will delve into the various manifestations of non-economic loss and damage experienced by vulnerable populations in the region. Participants will have the opportunity to go on a field trip to climate-impacted areas near Visakhapatnam and interact with members of a coastal community to understand the situation firsthand. Then, with support from EJN mentors, communicators will explore how to apply the solutions journalism framework to their stories, and brainstorm and refine their ideas for coverage in small-group discussions.

Benefits

• The organizers will cover the cost of travel, accommodation and meals for selected participants.

Duration

• The training will be held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on 19-21 June 2025.

Eligibility Criteria

• The call is open to communicators based in India from print, online, radio and television outlets. Preference will be given to applicants from West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. For the purpose of this workshop, they will only accept applications in English. They especially encourage women and early and mid-career professionals to apply.
• Applicants must:
  • Commit to attending all days of the workshop.
  • Have some experience reporting on social and/or environmental issues with a focus on climate change.
  • Understand and be able to communicate in English.
  • Permit republication by the organizers of any output as a result of participation in the workshop.

Application Requirements

• Staffers must provide a letter from their supervisor approving their attendance at the workshop.
• Applicants must submit two published samples or links to work that have appeared online.

For more information, visit Earth Journalism Network.