Journalists from Tanzania’s Northern and Central zones have resolved to undertake investigative reporting on the encroachment of wildlife corridors and the escalating impacts of climate change, amid growing threats to biodiversity, livelihoods and ecosystems across the country.
The journalists observed that several key wildlife corridors, including the Kwakuchinja corridor linking Tarangire and Lake Manyara national parks, continue to be invaded by human activities such as settlement expansion, farming and infrastructure development.
They warned that the ongoing encroachment is disrupting wildlife migration routes, threatening animal survival and undermining ecological balance.
They further noted that climate change largely driven by environmental degradation is already manifesting through land loss in coastal areas such as Pangani District in Tanga Region, prolonged droughts in many parts of the country, increasing vulnerability of indigenous communities, and the continued decline of ice caps on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The commitment to conduct the investigations was reached during an environmental journalism training organised by the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) in collaboration with the Media Aid for Indigenous and Pastoralist Community (MAIPAC), with financial support from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Speaking during the training, MAIPAC Executive Director Mussa Juma said the initiative aims to empower journalists who are committed to investigative environmental reporting by providing them with technical, legal and institutional support.
“There are many environmental issues that, when well reported, can drive accountability and contribute to improvements in laws and policies. Through this project, journalists will receive legal support and opportunities to engage directly with government officials and environmental experts,” he said.
Mr Juma expressed concern over the continued shrinking of the Kwakuchinja wildlife corridor, worsening droughts, rising temperatures and flooding in some areas, including Pangani. He noted that despite government efforts to promote clean energy, deforestation for charcoal production remains widespread.
“Journalists should go out and investigate these issues deeply and help identify practical solutions to stop environmental degradation,” he said.
THRDC Head of Advocacy Desk, advocate Paulo Kisabo, said the organisation would continue to provide legal assistance and guidance to journalists covering environmental issues.
“We are ready to support journalists whenever legal clarification or protection is needed. Environmental reporting is critical to ensuring people live in a safe and healthy environment,” he said.
Mr Kisabo also urged journalists to familiarise themselves with the laws governing their profession, observe ethical standards and prioritise their personal safety while carrying out investigative work.
Meanwhile, Tanzania Editors Forum (UTPC) Executive Director Kenneth Simbaya called on journalists to refocus their work on addressing real challenges facing communities, rather than concentrating on praise-driven reporting.
He said public trust in the media has declined due to limited coverage of issues directly affecting citizens, stressing that investigative and solution-oriented journalism is key to restoring credibility.
“We commend MAIPAC and THRDC for this initiative. Journalists should use this opportunity to serve communities by producing impactful stories on environmental challenges, while upholding ethics and enhancing creativity,” he said.
Arusha Press Club chairperson Claud Gwandu, together with journalists Burhani Yakoub from Tanga and Baraka Ole Moita from Simanjiro, acknowledged the severity of environmental challenges in their respective areas and said the training had equipped them with skills to address the issues through investigative reporting.
The training brought together 35 environmental journalists from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Tanga, Dodoma, Manyara and Singida regions, and is expected to be rolled out to other zones across the country.