Environmental journalists from Tanzania’s Northern and Central zones have been urged to focus on investigative reporting that can drive accountability and influence reforms in laws and public policies, instead of limiting themselves to routine event-based stories.
The call was made during a training programme organised by the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) in collaboration with the Maasai Indigenous People Advocacy Centre (MAIPAC). The training brought together journalists covering environmental issues from several regions.
Speaking during the session, the Director of the Tanzania Editors Forum (UTPC), Mr Kenneth Simbaya, said modern journalism requires reporters to go beyond daily events and produce stories that expose gaps in policies, laws and their implementation.
He said investigative journalism plays a critical role in prompting policy change and strengthening public accountability, particularly in the environmental sector where communities are often directly affected.
“These trainings aim to equip journalists with skills to produce impactful investigative environmental stories that can bring change, while also observing professional ethics,” Mr Simbaya said.
MAIPAC Director Mr Mussa Juma echoed the message, urging journalists to write stories that not only expose weaknesses in policies, regulations and laws, but also encourage public participation in governance and decision-making processes.
He, however, cautioned journalists to uphold ethical standards, cultural values and traditions, especially when reporting on indigenous and marginalised communities.
“We need stories that reveal policy shortcomings, but we must also respect culture, customs and community values in our reporting,” Mr Juma said.
While presenting on reporting about indigenous communities, Mr Juma warned against reporting without consent, noting that some journalists and content creators visit indigenous areas, take photographs and publish stories without the approval or understanding of the communities involved.
He stressed the importance of respecting traditional leadership, avoiding discriminatory or demeaning language, and giving indigenous communities space to tell their own stories.
Mr Juma said the training expects journalists to investigate key issues such as the impact of climate change on marginalised communities and emerging land conflicts linked to environmental pressures.
On matters of safety and security, lawyer Mr Paul Kisabo advised journalists to carry out risk assessments and take precautionary measures before undertaking investigative assignments, particularly in sensitive environmental reporting.
He also highlighted key media and environmental laws that journalists should understand and apply in their work to enhance professionalism and protect themselves legally.
A total of 35 journalists from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Tanga, Singida, Dodoma and Manyara regions took part in the training, which is supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Similar training sessions are planned for the Lake Zone, Eastern and Coastal zones, as well as Zanzibar.