Baripada, 19th January 2025: The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), in collaboration with the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Govt. of Odisha, with the support of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, organised a workshop –“Nature and Media: Responsible and Sensitive Journalism” from 18th to 19th January 2025 in Similipal Tiger Reserve.

This unique workshop brought together media professionals, experts, and ecologists for an immersive experience to deepen the understanding of Asian elephant ecology, migration, and the challenges of harmonious coexistence with human communities.

Building on the success of WTI’s Gaj Utsav campaign in Odisha, dedicated to honouring the cultural and ecological importance of the Asian elephant, the workshop strongly emphasised promoting responsible journalism practices when reporting on human-elephant conflicts and conservation initiatives across the country.

Media professional Virat Singh talked about the collaboration between media and the Forest Dept to curb the human-leopard conflict in Sanjay Gandhi NP | Photo by Madhumay Mallik/WTI

The workshop saw participation from prominent media professionals representing leading outlets such as Sambad, Sakal, The Times of India, The New Indian Express, ANI, and Kanak News. Through insightful sessions, engaging panel discussions, and hands-on workshops, participants gained critical knowledge of elephant ecology while strengthening their skills in responsible and sensitive reporting. This workshop underscored the powerful role of media in fostering positive change and supporting coexistence between wildlife and communities.

Key figures in the field, including, Asim Mahapatra, Bureau Chief, Sakal, Dr. Niladri Bhushan Kar, Asst. Professor, Fakir  Mohan University Odisha, Mr. Padmanabhan Oppili, Environment Editor, Times of India (TN), Mr. C S Kotteswaran, Bureau Chief, DT Next, Mr Virat Singh, Communications & Engagement Strategist, Asar, Mr. K Praveen Kumar, Asst. Editor, PTI (Kerala), Mr. Niranjan Kaggere, Senior Asst Editor, Times of India (Karnataka), and Ms. Saymanti B, OIC, Natural Heritage Campaigns, WTI  contributed their insights and expertise during the workshop.

Participants also had the opportunity to interact with senior forest officials, including Dr.Samrat Gowda, IFS, Deputy Director, Similipal, (South),  Shri Sai Kiran, IFS, Deputy Director, Similipal (North) and Shri Amujure Uma Mahesh, DFO Baripada.

(L-R): Shri Amujure Uma Mahesh, DFO Baripada, Dr.Samrat Gowda, IFS, Deputy Director, Similipal, (South), Shri Sai Kiran, IFS, Deputy Director, Similipal (North) | Photo by Madhumay Mallik/WTI

Mr. Asim Mahapatra, Bureau Chief, Sakal, expressed that the workshop provided a wide-angle discussion with journalists from Odisha and human-elephant conflict-prone states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. It also offered valuable insights on sensitising communities and reporting on conflict more effectively.

Mr.  P. Oppili, Environment Editor, Times of India (TN) highlighted the initiative’s aim to unite media professionals from across the country with local journalists. He expressed hope that this effort would offer them valuable exposure to enhance their skills, promote effective conservation strategies, and assist policymakers in making informed decisions.

The workshop brought together journalists, experts and ecologists | Photo by Madhumay Mallik/WTI

Saymanti B, OIC, Natural Heritage Campaigns, WTI, expressed gratitude to the journalists who actively participated in the media workshop, acknowledging their deep commitment to promoting responsible and sensitive reporting in the field of nature conservation.

Dr. Samrat Gowda, IFS, Deputy Director Similipal (South) emphasised the Forest Department’s unwavering commitment to wildlife protection, citing notable progress in curbing elephant poaching. He stated that ongoing investigations into recent poaching incidents are being conducted with rigor and that every procedural step is being taken to ensure the conviction of offenders. He stressed that collaboration with the public, media, and judiciary is essential for achieving these conservation goals.

Shri Sai Kiran, IFS, Deputy Director, Similipal (North) , stressed the importance of supporting news reports with accurate data and reaffirmed the Forest Department’s commitment to addressing communication gaps. He noted that the workshop served as a vital platform for promoting transparency and enhancing efforts to effectively address human-wildlife conflicts.