For the first time, Canal France International, the French Media Development agency supported by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has launched the Terra Asia project in Fiji in collaboration with the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation and the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development. This project follows successful implementations in countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. The aim of Terra Asia is to advance knowledge on climate change and enhance environmental reporting for journalists in Fiji.
French Ambassador to Fiji, Julie Le Saos, emphasized the project’s importance in building media capacity in the Indo-Pacific region, which faces significant risks from environmental degradation and climate change. The initiative offers targeted training for public media in addressing urgent topics such as climate change, biodiversity, and ocean conservation, which are key priorities for both Fiji and France.
The project manager, Chloé Laskar, highlighted that the Terra Asia initiative not only invests in the Fijian media landscape but also promotes cooperation among media stakeholders within the region. It particularly seeks to amplify the voices of communities most affected by climate change, such as Indigenous, coastal, and urban poor populations, addressing their underrepresentation in media narratives.
Spanning a 31-month timeline from May 2024 to November 2026, the Terra Asia project coincides with France hosting the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference, reinforcing its commitment to regional media capacity building and climate change advocacy.
This initiative aligns with other recent efforts within the Pacific region to strengthen media roles in climate reporting, as seen in various training events that empower journalists, ensuring that vital issues affecting their communities are effectively communicated. The collaboration in such projects carries a hopeful message that by enhancing media capabilities, Pacific nations can lead in climate advocacy, driving significant change and fostering resilience in the face of climate challenges.
Overall, the Terra Asia project symbolizes a proactive approach towards environmental journalism and community engagement, paving a path towards a more resilient future for those impacted by climate change.
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