Recognizing Excellence in Environmental Journalism
Nukanah Kollie, a journalist from The Liberian Investigator, has been selected among 32 journalists from across West Africa for the first-ever GJESHA-TNJ Biodiversity Training Series. This regional initiative is designed to enhance biodiversity and environmental journalism by equipping reporters with essential tools, knowledge, and storytelling skills. The training aims to amplify issues related to biodiversity and influence public policy.
Organized by the Centre for Climate Change & Food Security (CCCFS) in partnership with Nigeria-based news portal The North Journal (TNJ), the six-week program is set to run from July 11 to August 15, 2025. Weekly online sessions will be led by internationally recognized experts in biodiversity and media. The program's theme, "Biodiversity Matters: How Africa's Stories Can Shape a Sustainable Future," highlights the importance of environmental reporting in shaping a sustainable future.
Key Modules and Learning Objectives
The training includes several key modules such as biodiversity reporting essentials, climate change linkages, data-driven storytelling, investigative tools, and solutions journalism. Notably, two sessions will be led by Dr. Vibha Varshney, Head of the Biodiversity and Food Unit at India's Centre for Science and Environment. Participants will complete assignments after each session and produce a capstone story at the end, aimed at publication across local or regional outlets.
Kollie was one of four Liberian journalists chosen from over 100 applicants spanning the 15 ECOWAS member states. The others include Tokpa M. Tarnue (Liberia Broadcasting System), Bill Williams Cooper (The Inquirer Newspaper), and D. Laymah E. Kollie (Women's TV). Kollie expressed his honor in representing The Liberian Investigator and Liberia in this important initiative, emphasizing that environmental reporting is no longer a niche but a necessity for sustainable development and accountability.
Building a Regional Network
At the conclusion of the training, organizers will formally launch WAJESHA — the West Africa Journalists for Environment, Science, Health & Agriculture — a regional network designed to foster collaboration among trained journalists. The mission of WAJESHA is to build a united force of credible, solutions-driven environmental journalists who can challenge extractive practices, promote climate action, and shift narratives across the subregion.
"By investing in reporters, we're investing in Africa's future," said CCCFS in a press release. "Biodiversity journalism has the power to inform, influence, and transform policy."
Rigorous Selection Process
Applicants were assessed based on their experience, the quality and relevance of their submitted work, and a demonstrated passion for environmental storytelling. Many were disqualified due to poor grammar, incomplete responses, or lack of biodiversity-related content. Despite these challenges, the final cohort — representing countries like Liberia, Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Guinea, Senegal, and Sierra Leone — stood out for their clarity, originality, and potential to drive change.
This initiative marks a significant step toward pan-African collaboration in environmental journalism. By empowering journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge, the program aims to create a lasting impact on environmental reporting and policy-making across the region. The success of this training series could serve as a model for future initiatives that seek to address pressing environmental challenges through informed and impactful storytelling.
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