Biodiversity Media Initiative
A data-driven Conservation advocacy and accountability
- Status
- Completed
- AIR approach
- Access, Insight, Resourcing
- FRAME
- Environment, Energy, and Extractives
- Implemented in
What we’re doing
The project sought to strengthen data-driven and evidence-based reporting on biodiversity loss in Nigeria, with a focus on major biodiversity hotspots and the environmental, economic, human rights, and climate implications of biodiversity degradation. It responded to gaps in public awareness and the limited depth of media coverage linking biodiversity loss to harmful environmental practices, climate change, and community well-being.
Dataphyte used a combination of data analysis, investigative journalism, geospatial mapping, multimedia storytelling, participatory research, desktop research, media monitoring, and civic technology to generate evidence on biodiversity threats and their impacts. The project included mapping major biodiversity hotspots, analysing a decade of biodiversity reporting, and training journalists to use data and digital tools for environmental reporting.
A key component was the development of a Biodiversity Reporting Toolkit for journalists, providing practical guidance and resources to support more informed, data-driven, and investigative reporting on biodiversity issues. The project also produced investigative reports, multimedia content, a publicly accessible biodiversity map, a policy brief, and stakeholder engagement activities aimed at strengthening public understanding and policy dialogue.
Evidence that leads to action
Designed to create practical, accountable, and lasting public value.
Strengthened Biodiversity Reporting Capacity
Built journalists’ capacity in investigative reporting, data analysis, and multimedia storytelling, enabling them to produce more evidence-based coverage of biodiversity loss and conservation.
Developed Practical Tools for Environmental Journalists
Developed a Biodiversity Reporting Toolkit to provide journalists with practical guidance and resources for researching, analysing, and reporting biodiversity issues more effectively.
Improved Access to Biodiversity Data and Geographic Information
Developed an interactive, publicly accessible map highlighting major biodiversity hotspots and areas affected by biodiversity loss, supporting research, reporting, and public engagement.
Strengthened Evidence-Based Environmental Journalism
Supported the production of 10 investigative reports examining biodiversity loss and harmful environmental practices, creating a stronger body of evidence for public and policy engagement.
Increased Public Awareness of Biodiversity Loss
Used investigative reports and multimedia storytelling to communicate the scale and consequences of biodiversity loss, particularly in vulnerable hotspots such as the Niger Delta and Cross River Rainforest.
Improved Understanding of Biodiversity Reporting Gaps
Produced a media monitoring report examining a decade of biodiversity coverage in Nigeria, generating insights into reporting trends, gaps, and opportunities for stronger environmental journalism.
Expanded Evidence for Biodiversity Policy Advocacy
Translated findings from research and investigative reporting into a policy brief containing recommendations for biodiversity conservation and presented these findings through stakeholder dialogue.
Strengthened Public and Stakeholder Engagement
Created opportunities for journalists, civil society, policymakers, and other stakeholders to engage with evidence on biodiversity threats and discuss approaches to conservation and sustainable practices.
Promoted Data-Driven Decision-Making on Biodiversity
Increased the use of data, visualisations, investigative evidence, and local narratives to support informed dialogue and decision-making on biodiversity conservation.
Supported by
Earth Journalism Network (InterNews)Fellows and their outputs
People contributing research, analysis, and stories through this project.
FellowNigeria
Cost of Development: How a Refinery and Highway Project Wiped Out Akwa Ibom’s Stubbs Creek Forest
While the state government repeatedly declared its commitment to protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems, its actions—and inaction—at Stubbs Creek...
FellowNigeria
Endangered Donkeys of Sokoto: Exploring the Hidden Drivers of Decline
The uncontrolled slaughter is not only an ecological and economic disaster but also a serious animal welfare crisis. Community members lament that donkeys...
FellowNigeria
Illegal Farming and Logging Drive Human–Elephant Conflict in Omo Forest, Ogun State’s Itasin Community
For residents of Itasin, the conflict is an immediate threat to life and livelihood. Elephants, displaced from the forest, frequently emerge at dawn to raid...
FellowNigeria
How the Military's Counter-insurgency and Flooding Endanger African Locust Trees in Sokoto State
Beyond its ecological role, the African locust tree is a pillar of food security in Sokoto. Its seeds are processed into the vital, protein-rich spice, iru...
FellowNigeria
How Youth Unemployment Drives Deforestation in Odual and Okolomade Communities in Rivers State
“I have been doing this work for one year and three months now,” he said. “My parents are poor farmers. I’ve written WAEC and passed, but there’s no money to...
FellowNigeria
Fortune Charms Craze Threatens Vulture Population in Kano
“Once nature’s free waste managers, vultures are disappearing from Kano, northern Nigeria’s main cultural and trade centre, not from disease or habitat loss...
FellowNigeria
Okomu National Park: Inside Nigeria’s Bold Community-Conservation Experiment
Okomu National Park spans over 202 square kilometres of tropical rainforest, a remnant of Nigeria’s once-vast rainforest belt. It is home to forest...
FellowNigeria
How Volunteer Community Rangers Lead the Fight for Ekuri Forest, Cross River State Survival
Ekuri Rainforest, hidden deep within Cross River State is a sanctuary for rare wildlife like the Cross River gorilla and one of the last surviving tropical...
FellowNigeria
Oil and Oblivion: How Spills Emptied Ogale’s Waters
Back then, the waters of Ogale, part of Ogoniland, teemed with life. These streams were not just rich fishing grounds but also vital sources of drinking and...
FellowNigeria
Unregulated Logging Ravages an Ancestral Forest in Abuja
Despite clear forest laws, such as the National Environmental (Forest Sector) Regulations of 2009, which mandate reforestation and environmental...
Project moments
Let's build the next
project together
We're always looking to collaborate with governments, donors, civil society organisations, researchers, and innovators to create evidence-driven solutions for public good.
