Rédaction Environmental journalists from Bukavu East of DRC gathered this Friday 5th, September 5, 2025 for a training workshop organized by ZUKA Sarl, with logistical support from the Congo Basin Conservation Society (CBCS) and the South Kivu Environmental Civil Society.
The meeting aimed to strengthen their expertise, transform local realities into global stories, and explore ways to make environmental journalism a sustainable profession beyond mere passion.According to Janvier Barhahiga, head of ZUKA Sarl, proximity journalism can serve as a gateway to the global arena.
He explained that reporting should start from people’s daily lives such as wastewater flowing in front of a school to show that these are not only local issues but also matters of public health and cross-border pollution. For example, a story about wastewater from Bukavu’s restaurants can be reframed as a broader analysis of Lake Kivu’s pollution, which threatens both East African countries and global biodiversity.For Justin Kumbari of DeboutRDC, passion remains essential but cannot stand alone.
He argued that it must be supported by alternative funding, investment in specialized media, and, at times, self-financing. He added that mastering English opens doors to international partnerships and funding opportunities.A more cautious view came from Deo Cikuru of MamaRadio, who noted that insecurity remains a major obstacle, preventing the production of in-depth reports, especially in areas most affected by environmental challenges.
Egide Kitumaini of Gorilla FM highlighted the importance of moving toward solutions journalism. He pointed out that while many initiatives exist, their effectiveness needs to be questioned.
“How long will we keep collecting bottles from Lake Kivu? Do these actions really work? Should change be imposed from the top, or should it be built from the bottom up?” he asked.
Discussions also led to several recommendations. Participants stressed the need for media houses to improve their administrative organization, deliver high-quality productions, and hold regular meetings.
They highlighted the importance of teamwork, leveraging opportunities within environmental networks, and strengthening journalists’ skills. They also encouraged stronger engagement on professional platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase environmental topics and foster partnerships.Another meeting is planned soon to deepen these reflections and further professionalize environmental journalism in South Kivu.
ZUKA Sarl is a Congolese company specializing in social behavior change, visual content creation, and training in new information and communication technologies (ICT). Established in 2022, it has already collaborated with several development organizations.
