The Colonist Report Africa has trained 20 Nigerian journalists from various media organizations to report on the 30×30 marine conservation targets.
The three-day training workshop, held in Port Harcourt, was funded by the Earth Journalism Network (EJN).
Throughout the training, participants were exposed to Nigeria’s goals in achieving the 30×30 marine conservation target. Nigeria was among the countries that agreed to ensure that at least 30 percent of lands and oceans are protected by 2030 to safeguard biodiversity, combat climate change, and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources.
Over the course of three days, 20 journalists from across Nigeria’s communities gathered in Port Harcourt to deepen their understanding of the global 30×30 biodiversity target and its relevance to Nigeria’s marine conservation efforts.
The training brought together five resource persons who guided participants through the science, policy, and reporting challenges surrounding marine conservation and the global commitment to protect 30 percent of the world’s land, inland waters, and oceans by 2030.
The facilitators were Elfredah Kevin-Alerechi, Managing Editor of The Colonist Report Africa; Dr. Ojo Akinrotimi, Director of the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR); Dr. Stella Whyte of Rivers State University; Chikezie Omeje, Africa Editor at OCCRP; and Courage Nsirimovu, an environmental and human rights lawyer and Coordinator at PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative.
Participants explored the science behind the 30×30 target, including priority marine habitats, biodiversity conservation, and the importance of protecting marine species and ecosystems. Sessions also examined fisheries and livelihoods, with discussions on how Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can affect local fishers and coastal communities, particularly those in hard-to-reach areas across the Niger Delta.
Recognising the growing role of technology in journalism, the workshop also focused on the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence tools for investigative and environmental reporting. Participants learned how AI can be used to analyse large datasets, strengthen reporting workflows, and support investigations into marine governance and conservation issues.
Additional sessions covered cybersecurity, digital surveillance, and cyber hygiene, equipping journalists with practical approaches to protecting devices, communications, and sensitive sources while reporting in the field. Participants also received training in cyber forensics and data integrity, including techniques for verifying files, identifying manipulated content, and maintaining the integrity of digital evidence.
Participants explored human rights and environmental justice reporting using the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Nigerian Constitution to examine the experiences of coastal communities affected by conservation policies and environmental degradation.
Other sessions focused on the use of the Freedom of Information Act as a tool for accessing information on marine governance, protected areas, and environmental accountability. They were also guided on ways to reduce the risk of litigation through careful language and responsible reporting practices.
Every session was interactive, and participants had the opportunity to work in groups, collaborate, and brainstorm ideas, which they presented to facilitators and instantly received feedback on.
Elfredah Kevin-Alerechi, Managing Editor of The Colonist Report Africa, said the sessions were carefully designed to lead to stronger, more informed reporting on marine conservation issues and help bridge the gap between global biodiversity commitments and the realities facing Nigeria’s coastal communities.
Participants were excited about the training package, which many described as an eye-opener.
A participant, Eden Benibo, Editorial Director of Helo Icon Magazine, described the workshop as a refreshing departure from conventional training programmes.
“My experience at the programme was fantastic. I would like to commend the organizers for their efforts,” Benibo said.
“I have attended many workshops that are often one-sided, with facilitators simply speaking to participants. However, this workshop was different. It was highly accommodating and inclusive, regardless of participants’ skill levels or experience. I felt comfortable sharing my views, asking questions, and contributing without fear,” she said.
Benibo noted that the climate resilience session broadened her understanding of environmental reporting by emphasizing the human dimension of climate-related challenges.
“What stood out to me was the way the training connected climate resilience to both people and places. Most discussions on climate resilience focus mainly on the environment, but this workshop highlighted how environmental issues directly affect people and communities. It emphasized the importance of telling stories that inspire action and create meaningful change rather than simply reporting events,” she told The Colonist Report Africa.
Steven Obodoekwe, a human rights journalist with National Point Newspapers, described the programme as both a challenge and an opportunity for self-reflection and professional growth.
Obodoekwe said “Before attending this programme, I was not very confident about the capabilities of AI tools. However, over the past few weeks, I have learned a lot. I discovered that AI can greatly assist professionals by refining and improving their work. Tasks that once required extensive technical expertise can now be done more efficiently with the support of AI.”
Another participant, Samson Olawale, a reporter with Today FM 95.1 Port Harcourt and a correspondent for the Nigerian Tribune, commended the organizers for delivering a well-structured and impactful training programme.
“The general idea was to enlighten us and broaden our understanding of important issues. On the first day, we discussed how to conserve marine life, encourage responsible fishing, and use our platform to identify and raise issues affecting wildlife,” Olawale said.
According to Olawale, the cybersecurity session was one of the most valuable aspects of the training because it provided practical knowledge on protecting journalists and their devices from digital threats.
“I learned a lot from the cybersecurity session. It taught us how to protect ourselves and our devices, considering that the online space can be vulnerable to attacks,” he stated.
Similarly, Wonne Afronelly, a marine conservation advocate and journalist, said the training provided valuable insights into storytelling, environmental advocacy, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
“One of the most important lessons I learned is how storytelling can create greater impact and how to supercharge stories to engage audiences more effectively.“
Many participants expressed their commitment to applying the lessons learned in their respective newsrooms and using their platforms to promote environmental awareness, sustainable development, responsible technology use, and the conservation of Nigeria’s marine resources.
