EJN Media Grantee Enhances Journalists' Digital Skills to Improve Environmental Reporting in Mongolia

Mongolia’s nomadic civilization—sustained for centuries through sustainable land use and seasonal livestock migration—is increasingly threatened by the impacts of climate change, rapid urbanization and population growth. These changes have led to a rise in air pollution, soil degradation and water scarcity, undermining traditional herding practices, affecting public health and destabilizing Mongolia’s ecological balance.

To improve coverage of these critical environmental issues, the Press Institute of Mongolia (PIM), launched a year-long fellowship for local journalists, supported by a media grant from EJN’s Asia-Pacific project in 2023. The project was aimed at enhancing participants' capacity to report on regional climate and environmental challenges such as waste management, desertification and poor air quality.

From May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024, 20 environmental reporters took part in four workshops, attended discussion events, and received one-on-one mentoring from PIM trainers to help develop their stories. The workshops covered video and data journalism, digital research skills—including fact-checking—and strategies to promote their stories on social media, among other topics. Participants also learned how to apply a gender lens to their reporting and adopt a solutions-oriented approach.  

“By learning to identify environmental issues, applying rigorous journalistic methods to problem-solving, and employing innovative digital content creation techniques, these journalists can produce high-impact stories that resonate with the public and policymakers alike. This capability is crucial not only for raising awareness but also for influencing policy decisions that promote environmental sustainability and disaster preparedness” said Munkhmandakh Myagmar, executive director of PIM.

At the end of the training, fellows produced eight stories on pressing environmental issues in Mongolia, which were then published or broadcast in local and regional Mongolian-language outlets. They explored the environmental and health risks of pit toilets in Arkhangai, the impact of urbanization on ecological knowledge and traditional Mongolian nomadic values, and more. Check out some of their work here, here, here and here. 

Journalist O. Batkhishig, who exposed the alarming buildup of waste in the protected zone of the Tuul area, reported on the significant challenges in enforcing environmental regulations. Her investigation prompted local authorities to initiate a cleanup of the waste that had accumulated for over a decade, said Myagmar. 

“This outcome is a testament to the effectiveness of the program and the potential of environmental journalism to bring about positive change,” he said. 

The fellows also collaborated on a social media campaign to promote their work using their newly acquired digital skills. 

“One of the most significant insights I gained is the [need to] shift from merely discussing problems to actively seeking solutions. Engaging in this program has equipped me with valuable methods for solutions-oriented environmental reporting," said fellowship participant Ts. Unurtsetseg. 

"I now understand that by focusing on solutions alongside the challenges, my storytelling can have a more profound impact,” she added. Unurtsetseg, an experienced newspaper journalist, also noted she had a tendency towards “lengthy texts”, but through this training, was able to hone her skills in creating content that resonates with digital audiences, particularly through mobile journalism formats. 

Another fellow, Ch. Battsetseg, shared: “Attending the training provided me with a wealth of knowledge and practical strategies to effectively communicate environmental issues to young audiences. Inspired by this, I began organizing workshops for schoolchildren, fostering a deeper understanding of environmentalism among them.” 

Battsetseg went on to author a children's storybook featuring tales that “promote nature-friendly lifestyles and emphasize the importance of loving and protecting our natural world.” 

• Watch her reel here. 

Recognizing that journalists faced resource constraints and are burdened by competing demands and deadlines, which often prevent them from participating in long-term training programs, the project organizers offered the fellows flexible scheduling and remote training opportunities.  

Additionally, they fostered a strong sense of community among participants, helping them stay motivated and engaged throughout, and well beyond, the fellowship. As a result, Myagmar was pleased with the levels of engagement and the quality of environmental reporting it led to, both of which would have been difficult to achieve under normal newsroom conditions.  

To that end, PIM hopes that continued high-quality coverage will empower communities, policymakers, and businesses to make informed decisions that promote environmental sustainability and resilience against climate change impacts.

Reflecting on the future of environmental and climate journalism in Mongolia, he said: “There is a crucial need to increase the number of journalists dedicated to environmental reporting and elevate environmental topics to the forefront of newsroom editorial policies."

This shift can "foster greater public awareness and engagement with environmental issues, which are increasingly pressing due to climate change impacting Mongolia's unique ecosystems and nomadic traditions," added Myagmar.

The Press Institute of Mongolia seeks to continue bolstering well-informed reporting to hold government and corporate entities accountable for their environmental impact, and encouraging transparency and responsible behavior. 

Banner image: Fellows working together at one of the group sessions / Credit: The Press Institute of Mongolia.