What Journalists, Wildlife, and Pastures Have in Common

By GRID-Arendal Expert Paige Eikeland and Principal Expert Ieva Rucevska

What does wildlife have to do with climate change adaptation?

It is a common misconception that the two issues aren’t related – especially in Central Asia. As mountain communities to try to adapt and develop, biodiversity can get left behind. Herding and pastoralism are important cultural traditions in this region, and more livestock means more income. But more livestock also stresses ever degrading and shrinking pastures, further stressing wild ungulates that also depend on these spaces, such as ibex, argali sheep, and maral (wapiti). These stresses, exacerbated by threats such as infrastructure and mining development, get passed up the food chain to the iconic snow leopard – which depends on these species as prey.

GRID-Arendal facilitated discussions on the best ways to communicate these interlinked issues with local mountain communities; local governance structures, such as protected area staff; and national policymakers.

We also spent time discussing how to translate broad, complex concepts, such as “ecosystem-based adaptation” and “nature-positive solutions”, so that non-scientists can understand. We led sessions on how to communicate technical knowledge, including visualizing and mapping data, as well as creating effective oral presentations that convey concise and powerful messages. Additionally, we provided feedback for ongoing communication efforts presented by project partners. In a parallel workshop, journalists enhanced their knowledge of environmental issues and sharpened their storytelling skills for a broader audience, exploring different techniques taught by the experienced and well-respected trainers, Alevtina Madyarova and Gulim Amirkhanova.

Our long journey was accompanied by Aidyn Eszhanov, a biologist from the Institute of Zoology, who shared his knowledge about biodiversity and habitats. Among other things, journalists learned how intense cattle herding degrades local habitats, leading to desertification, as well as the importance of Saxaul trees, which are widely used as firewood in the harsh winter steppes as fuel for cooking delicious barbecues.

During the field excursion, everyone had the opportunity to witness first-hand the challenges faced by remote communities and the unique surrounding habitats in need of protection. In addition, we met with local community members and learned about their successes in implementing small-scale, community-based projects to help build alternative livelihoods.

Storytelling is an art. While it may sound easy, it is, in fact, quite challenging. One may tell a story differently depending on the audience. Drawing on their experience covering issues in Kazakhstan and reporting for media outlets, YouTube, and Telegram channels, journalists learned how to identify their audience and use specific techniques to communicate effectively with their readers or followers. At the end of the workshop, each journalist presented an outline of their environmental stories, which they will develop further upon their return home.

In September 2024, Paige and Ieva traveled to Almaty on parallel but interlinked missions for the Central Asian Mammals and Climate Adaptation (CAMCA) project. Convening at the Shymbulak Resort in the fresh mountain air of the Ili-Alatau range, Ieva helped shepherd 7 Kazakhstan-based journalists in a capacity-building workshop, while Paige helped local NGOs in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan communicate technical knowledge to mountain communities and policy makers alike. Both journalists and project partners benefitted from getting a broad overview of current initiatives and scanning the horizon for emerging issues.

CAMCA project partners come from across the Central Asian region and beyond, representing Kazakhstan (Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity Kazakhstan), Kyrgyzstan (Ilbirs Foundation & CAMP Alatoo), Tajikistan (Tajikistan Nature Foundation and CAMP Tabiat), and international organizations such as the Convention for Migratory Species (CMS), UNEP-Vienna, and WWF-US. Looking ahead, CAMCA will have multiple reports and tools coming soon as we head towards the final year of project implementation (2025), including vulnerability assessments for the 6 CAMCA focal species and policy briefs for each country in their local language.