Last Chance for Journalists in Indonesia and Vietnam to Apply for Forest Governance Media Workshop in Sumatra

Journalists in Indonesia and Vietnam have a final opportunity to apply for a specialized forest governance media workshop designed to strengthen reporting on deforestation, climate change, biodiversity protection, and community impacts.

Set to take place in Medan, Sumatra, the four-day intensive programme will bring together journalists, researchers, policymakers, civil society leaders, and local communities to examine real-world forest governance challenges and solutions.

As Southeast Asia continues to face rapid forest loss driven by agricultural expansion, weak regulation, and climate pressures, the workshop aims to empower journalists to play a central role in environmental accountability.

Why This Workshop Is Critical for Climate Reporting

Forests are one of the world’s most powerful natural climate solutions. They absorb carbon dioxide, regulate rainfall, preserve biodiversity, and support millions of livelihoods.

However, poor governance, illegal logging, and unsustainable commodity production continue to destroy forest ecosystems at alarming rates.

This workshop focuses on:

Governance failures and reform opportunities
Climate change and deforestation links
Biodiversity collapse risks
Community impacts of forest mismanagement

By strengthening investigative and solutions-based reporting, journalists can influence policy reforms and public awareness.

Understanding Forest-Risk Commodity Supply Chains

A major focus of the programme is the role of forest-risk commodities, such as:

• Palm oil
• Timber
• Pulp and paper
• Agricultural exports

Participants will explore how global supply chains contribute to deforestation and how improved transparency, corporate responsibility, and policy enforcement can reduce forest loss.

This is particularly relevant in Indonesia — one of the world’s largest palm oil producers — where forest clearing has had significant environmental consequences.

Accountability Journalism for Environmental Protection

Beyond technical knowledge, the workshop emphasizes practical journalism skills that enable reporters to:

✔ Track government forest policies
✔ Monitor private sector sustainability commitments
✔ Investigate illegal land clearing
✔ Follow climate finance linked to conservation
✔ Highlight community-led forest protection efforts

Participants will learn how to use data, field reporting techniques, and investigative tools to hold powerholders accountable.

Learning Directly From Communities and Experts

Over four days, journalists will engage with:

Forest researchers
Policymakers
Civil society organisations
Local forest-dependent communities

This hands-on approach ensures participants understand both policy frameworks and on-the-ground realities — essential for impactful storytelling.

Workshop Details at a Glance

Journalism’s Role in Saving Forests

Strong environmental journalism can:

Expose illegal deforestation
Reveal policy loopholes
Track corporate responsibility claims
Inform climate action strategies
Amplify community voices

Across the world, investigative reporting has led to forest protection reforms, corporate policy changes, and improved environmental enforcement.

This workshop aims to build the next generation of forest-focused climate journalists in Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asia: A Climate Frontline for Forest Protection

The region contains some of the world’s most biodiverse rainforests but also experiences some of the highest deforestation rates globally.

Key drivers include:

Agricultural expansion
Illegal logging
Infrastructure development
Climate stress

Protecting these forests is essential not just for regional ecosystems, but for global climate stability.

Final Call to Apply

Journalists passionate about climate change, forests, and environmental accountability are encouraged to apply before February 14, 2026.

Application link: https://loom.ly/wrVTiO8

With limited slots available, this is a unique opportunity to strengthen climate reporting skills while contributing to forest protection efforts in one of the world’s most critical regions.