Strengthening Transboundary Climate Change and DRR Reporting in Nepal and India: Applications Now Open

Climate change and disaster risks do not recognize national boundaries. The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, shared by Nepal and India, faces increasing threats from climate-induced disasters such as Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), deforestation, and natural resource extraction. Recognizing the urgent need for accurate, data-driven journalism to address these issues, Youth Innovation Lab, with support from UNESCO Nepal, is launching a specialized program to strengthen transboundary climate change and disaster risk reduction (DRR) reporting.

About the Program

The “Strengthening Transboundary Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Reporting in the Nepal-India Context” initiative is designed to equip journalists and media professionals with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to report on climate and environmental challenges effectively. This six-month program will focus on building journalistic competencies in:

• Investigative and solutions-oriented climate reporting

• The use of digital and AI tools for data-driven storytelling

• Fact-checking and geospatial mapping for enhanced environmental coverage

• Regional collaboration for cross-border reporting on shared climate threats

A key focus of the program is to strengthen institutional capacities within media organizations, ensuring long-term improvements in how climate change and disaster risk issues are reported.

Who Should Apply?

This program is targeted at experienced media professionals, particularly those in senior roles, who have the ability to shape editorial decisions and drive impactful climate reporting. Ideal candidates include:

• Environmental journalists and newsroom managers leading climate and disaster risk coverage

• Digital strategists and multimedia journalists integrating AI, data visualization, and geospatial tools into climate storytelling

• Senior producers and program managers working across print, digital, radio, and television platforms

Applicants must have at least three years of experience in media leadership and a demonstrated commitment to enhancing climate journalism, particularly in the HKH region.

Why Join This Program?

Journalists selected for this initiative will receive:

• Expert-led training through a three-day hands-on workshop in Kathmandu covering advanced climate reporting techniques, digital tools, and ethical journalism practices

• Mentorship and story development support from regional climate experts to develop investigative reports on transboundary environmental issues

• Cross-border collaboration opportunities with media professionals from Nepal and India to produce joint stories on key climate challenges, with publication support

• Networking access to a regional network of journalists, climate researchers, and policymakers for ongoing collaboration and knowledge-sharing

How to Apply

Interested applicants must complete an online application form by April 19, 2025 (Saturday). Selection will be based on experience, relevance, and commitment to cross-border climate journalism.

Apply Now: Application Guidelines

For any inquiries, please contact:

Rohit Dahal (Program Coordinator) – rohit.dahal@youthinnovationlab.org
Rashmi Bhujel (Program Officer) – rashmi@youthinnovationlab.org
Deepshikha Nepal (Project Associate) – deepshikha@youthinnovationlab.org

This initiative is a crucial step toward fostering high-impact, data-driven, and collaborative climate reporting in Nepal and India. Do not miss the opportunity to be part of a movement that strengthens climate journalism and public awareness in the region. Apply today.

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