University of Zimbabwe Media Students Lead Wetlands Dialogue to Strengthen Climate Change Communication

Media studies students at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ), alongside practicing journalists, are participating in a climate communication workshop aimed at strengthening public awareness and advocacy around wetlands conservation and climate change.

Held at the University of Zimbabwe in Harare, the workshop is running under the theme “Framing Wetlands Management Narratives”, bringing together students, media practitioners, researchers, and climate experts to explore innovative approaches to environmental reporting.

According to Professor Nehemiah Chivandikwa, the annual Climate Crisis Communication Workshop serves as a platform for students and professional journalists to collaborate in producing impactful media content focused on wetlands management and environmental sustainability.

The workshop encourages the production of articles, radio programs, television features, online news content, documentaries, films, and infographics that highlight the importance of wetlands and the challenges facing their conservation.

Professor Chivandikwa said the initiative is designed to equip aspiring journalists with practical skills while promoting responsible and solution-oriented environmental reporting.

“The theme of the workshop is Framing Wetlands Management Narratives. It is about how wetlands can be effectively managed and how media coverage can drive positive change within communities,” he said.

“Student journalists need these skills as they develop into professional media practitioners. Their stories must educate, inform, and raise awareness about the importance of wetlands conservation and sustainable environmental management.”

He emphasized that communities play a critical role in preserving wetlands and must be adequately informed about the ecological, social, and economic benefits these ecosystems provide.

“Communities need to understand the importance of wetlands and their impact on our country. Conservation begins with awareness. People must be sensitized to the need to preserve and protect wetlands for future generations,” he added.

Professor Chivandikwa noted that one of the workshop’s key objectives is to influence behavior change by encouraging communities to adopt environmentally responsible practices.

“The media has an important role in disseminating information that helps the public understand wetlands, how they are managed, and why their conservation matters. Through effective communication, we can encourage positive behavioral change at both individual and community levels.”

Meanwhile, University of Zimbabwe PhD student James Gonese stressed the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge systems with scientific approaches to environmental conservation.

Gonese, whose doctoral research focuses on animation as a tool for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage related to wetlands, said traditional knowledge remains a valuable resource in environmental education.

“We need to tap into traditional knowledge and marry it with science so that young people can better understand wetlands and their significance,” he said.

“Animation and storytelling can help preserve cultural heritage by teaching young people about traditional practices, values, and beliefs associated with wetlands. These tools can create meaningful connections between the past and present while promoting environmental stewardship.”

The student-led workshop is being organized through a partnership involving the University of Zimbabwe’s Department of Creative Media and Communication, the Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development Institute, DanChurchAid (DCA), and the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ).

Drawing on climate science, ecological research, and climate communication studies, the workshop provides a solution-oriented and interactive platform where journalists, media content creators, climate advocates, scientists, and development organizations can exchange ideas, experiences, and strategies for improving environmental communication.

Organizers say strengthening climate reporting and wetlands storytelling is critical as Zimbabwe and the broader region continue to grapple with the growing impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.