UNESCO and the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB) have launched a new regional project to strengthen how media in four African island states cover climate change and disasters.
The initiative supports media organisations in Cabo Verde, Comoros, Mauritius, and São Tomé and Príncipe. It aims to improve editorial practices, strengthen institutional preparedness, and encourage collaboration between broadcasters across the islands.
Islands on the frontline
Small island nations in Africa are among the most exposed to the impacts of climate change, from rising sea levels to stronger tropical storms. Yet many of their media outlets lack the resources and structures needed to provide timely, accurate information when disasters strike.
A recent UNESCO baseline study found that while broadcasters often engage with meteorological services and disaster agencies, these collaborations are rarely formalised within newsroom workflows. Coverage of climate change and disaster risks is mostly reactive, with few outlets having dedicated editorial policies or long-term programming.
Some media houses run prevention awareness campaigns, but most respond only after communities have been hit. Disaster preparedness and response plans are also limited or underdeveloped.
Building newsroom resilience
Through the project, participating outlets will receive targeted online training and mentorship focused on crisis communication, countering misinformation, inclusive storytelling, and solutions journalism.
The goal is to help newsrooms strengthen their internal disaster response systems using the UNESCO model disaster preparedness and response plan for media institutions.
The initiative also supports the creation of joint stories on climate action and disaster resilience, enabling outlets to report collaboratively across borders. Media regulators in the participating countries will receive technical assistance to design national strategies that support these efforts.
Mauritius to host regional workshop
The programme will culminate in a regional workshop from 27 to 29 October 2025 in Port Louis, Mauritius, bringing together media professionals, UN agencies, government representatives, regulators, and civil society groups.
During the event, media outlets will present their new disaster preparedness and response plans and showcase collaborative story projects. Participants will explore how to use digital and AI-assisted tools for risk communication and storytelling, and will work with UN experts to refine strategies for engaging communities during crises.
UNESCO says the initiative is part of its wider commitment to helping media in vulnerable countries play a stronger role in climate adaptation and disaster management. Similar activities are underway in other climate-exposed regions, including small island developing states worldwide.
