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Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

2020/21 Edition

By Environmental Governance Programme (EGP)

September 22^nd, 2020

Closing of 2020/21 Edition of the Young Environmental Journalists Campaign

Around 100 young journalists, students, environmental and human rights defenders participated in the latest edition of the Young Environmental Journalists campaign, held from August 15, 2020 to February 15, 2021. The campaign is facilitated by the joint Swedish Environmental Protection Agency - UNDP Environmental Governance Programme (EGP) in partnership with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) and the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

Focusing on capturing inspiring stories of change and youth-and grassroots-based actions in Colombia, Kenya, Mongolia and Mozambique, the Young Environmental Journalists participated in online-based courses and networking events offered by the EGP, UNV, UNITAR and the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre. Stories prepared by the Young Environmental Journalists in 2020/21 include the following:

The campaign facilitators are grateful for the dedication of the Young Environmental Journalists and the guest speakers, journalist practitioners and teachers from Sweden and across the world, including the Centre for Environment and Development Studies at Uppsala University (CEMUS); the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law; Youth4Nature in Kenya; the Kenya Environmental Activists Network; and the International Youth Watch at Getúlio Vargas University, Brazil.

Colombia: Behind the Frailejón - Youth Activism in the Santurbán Páramo

Kenya: Mining and SDGs - A Look into Sustainable Development in the Mining Sector

Mongolia: Addressing the Gendered Impacts of Mining through Capacity Building

Mozambique: Solutions to Mining-Related Challenges in Moatize

About the campaign

100 young journalists, students and environmental and human rights defenders from 27 countries joined forces with the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, UNDP, UN Volunteers and UNITAR to raise awareness about environmental and human rights protection in the mining sector, focusing on four resource-rich countries: Colombia, Kenya, Mongolia and Mozambique.

The campaign offers online-based learning courses, networking opportunities and presentations by renowned journalists, guest speakers and experts from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. The 2020/2021 edition featured new topics and issues, including: global supply chains of green conflict minerals; anti-corruption efforts in mining governance; youth activism in realizing the Right to a Healthy Environment; and Sustainable & Responsible Consumption (SDG 12).

What the Young Environmental Journalists have to say

"It has been only a month since I joined the United Nations Young Environmental Journalists project yet I have learned a lot and many thanks to the programme. Prior to joining this campaign, I have been a blind supporter of mining maybe just because of its huge contribution to our national income. Now I realized while benefiting from the economic aspect of it, we should ensure human rights and environmental well-being are met by mining operations. I hope with the knowledge that I picked up from this project, I will be able to contribute more to sustainable mining in our country".

Chuluundalai B., Mongolia group of Young Environmental Journalists

The Colombia Group

The group of Young Environmental Journalists focusing on Colombia is composed of 25 young talents from Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, Spain and Venezuela. They have different backgrounds, nationalities and locations, but are all united around the common goal of advancing environmental and human rights protection. They are: Andres Ospina; Camila Miranda; Carlos Mario Santander Rojas; Daniela Hurtado Tejada; David Vergara Schleich; Diana Cartaya Acosta; Diana Gomez; Francisco José López; Irene Garí Chia; Joella Pérez; Karen Tatiana Cortes Bolaños; Karla Estefanía Vázquez Anaya; Laura Leiva; Liseth Paola León Salgado; Luz Cuentas; Luz Emilia Ochoa Ruiz Godoy; Mariaju Jiménez; Nicolas Lara; Olalla Garcia; Osnaider Torres Hoyos; Sara Suarez; Sebastian Mahecha; Stephania Zerda Rueda; Valentina Alexandra Hernández Romero; and Valeria Karina López Flores.

Meet some of them today:

Andres Ospina:

I deeply love my country, which is why I feel the responsibility to put my skills into action and raise awareness about sustainability, so that my future generations and I can live here for years to come.

Camila Miranda:

I am very passionate about conservation and storytelling. By participating in this project, I hope to help shed some light on the important relationship between human rights and the environment.

Carlos Mario Santander Rojas:

Being part of the Young Environmental Journalists can help me project the social reality of my country from an environmentalist perspective, with its achievements, challenges and the efforts by communities and public and private institutions to protect the environment and govern mining.

Daniela Hurtado:

I decided to join the United Nations Young Environmental Journalists because I want to be a voice that drives change in my country, raises environmental awareness and also communicates the richness of biodiversity in Colombia and why it is necessary to preserve it.

David Vergara Shleich:

I believe that joining the Young Environmental Journalists is an immense opportunity not only to discover more about my country, but also to learn how to make a positive and tangible impact on mining governance and environmental protection in one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth.

Emilia Ochoa:

Through this campaign I am hoping that, together with volunteers from all over the world, we have the opportunity to learn how to share knowledge about the issues that Colombia and Latin America are facing with the climate crisis that humanity is experiencing.

Francisco Jose Lopez:

Participating in this project allows me to combine my interest in sustainable development with my passion for journalism. This is why when I saw the project description, I knew it would be a great match for me as it would allow me to further develop my skills.

Joella Pérez, from Falcón, Venezuela, currently living in Bogotá:

This project is a great opportunity to advocate for change and to raise awareness regarding some environmental practices that might not be sustainable and could negatively impact vulnerable communities and the wildlife. It's an honour for me to help change that reality.

Karen Tatiana Cortes Bolaños:

Participating in this project is an opportunity to learn and strengthen environmental activism in Colombia. I hope to help to generate collective awareness about the protection of the environment and human rights in my country.

Laura Leiva:

I joined this programme because I want to use my voice to support those fighting for the protection of their lands, and in doing so, gain a better understanding of the relationship between the environment, conflict, inequality and poverty.

Nicolas Lara:

My aim throughout this project is to contribute to making visible sustainable development initiatives that enhance local community empowerment and horizontal collaboration.

Olalla Garcia, from Spain:

Being a Young Environmental Journalist will allow me to be part of a United Nations project oriented towards making a positive impact in society by raising awareness on human rights and environmental issues.

Osnaider Torres Hoyos:

I'm passionate about volunteering, and doing it through the Young Environmental Journalists campaign to learn about environmental issues is a really good opportunity to contribute to improve the mining sector in Colombia.

Stephania Zerda:

This is an opportunity to learn more about the mining sector in Colombia and how its operations actively reflect within a circular economy and the society as a whole. It is a great opportunity to raise awareness and showcase the stories of communities that are often left behind by the mainstream media.

Valentina Hernández:

I am participating in this project because I want to be part of a generation that pursues meaningful changes for the wellbeing of our people and species living in our territories.

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

The Kenya Group

The Kenya group of Young Environmental Journalists brings together 26 young talents from Kenya and neighboring Somalia dedicated to environmental and human rights protection. They are: Beatrice Akoth; Bertina Onchiri; Betty Akinyi; Brian Owino; Charity Ngunyi; Charles Okwemba; Collince Owinoh; Devina Ongera; Elsie Selina; Eunice Mwai; Evalyne Githinji; Evelyn Makena; Faith Cherono; Faith Ogutu; Geoffrey Mwaniki; Gloria Ngumi; Hassan Yasin; Joan Kariuki; Kevin Lunzalu; Linda Olango; Murimi Gitari; Pauline Soy; Samuel Odhiambo; Sarafina Shikuku; Shanice Obong'o; and Timona Chore.

Meet some of them today:

Brian Owino:

I am an enthusiastic sustainability champion. Joining the Young Environmental Journalists is indeed an opportunity to contribute in shaping environmental sustainability and tackling the salient issues around environment and human rights in the mining sector.

Charity Ngunyi:

The field of environmental journalism covers a wide range of topics and that is why I am glad to be part of the campaign so as to perform more of a local hunt for information. This is a great opportunity for me to learn about the mining sector in Kenya.

Evalyne Wambui Githinji:

I am participating in this project because it offers a great opportunity to learn about sustainability of the mining sector. I believe environmental conservation is the key to ensuring a healthy ecosystem.

Hassan Mowlid Yasin, from Mogadishu, Somalia:

I have joined the young environmental journalist campaign in order to gain knowledge, experience and networking.

Kevin Lunzalu:

I am excited to be part of a team of young people who are developing their skills on the nexus between environment and human rights; and look forward to unearthing stories that will contribute to sustainable natural resource management, reduce inequalities, and address resource conflicts in Kenya.

Samuel Odhiambo:

My dream is to be a pace setter in telling inspirational stories on environment. I want to be instrumental in protecting human rights in the mining sector. With the mentorship support from UNDP and Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, I shall brace myself to realize this.

Timona Chore:

I am participating in this project because I believe that the active engagement of the youth in SDG-focused programmes is central to achieving a sustainable, inclusive and environmentally friendly world.

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

The Mongolia Group

The Mongolia group of Young Environmental Journalists is composed of outstanding young professionals and environmental & human rights defenders from Mongolia, Bangladesh, China, India, Kyrgyzstan, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Syria, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and United States. They are: Agatha Gorski; Aidana Nurbekova; Anastasia Macdonald; Ariunaa Udval; Catherine Hsu; Chuluundalai Batchuluun; Elizaveta Nidzelskaya; Fnu Narigele; Gitanjli Vashishth; Julia Bernatskaya; Kamal Wahab; Karolina Ivanovska; Khorolsuren Natsagdorj; Khushboo Jain; Marsel Nurbolotov; Md. Attikur Rahman; Otgontuya Davaanyam; Pingjing Tan; Rupal Dharpure; Shruthi Repally; Soundarya Rajan; Srivani Bairi; Uuganzaya Tsedensodnom; Xinrui Wen; and Yat Tung Wong.

Meet some of them today:

Aidana Nurbekova, from Kyrgyzstan:

This project is a great opportunity for me to obtain a huge experience in storytelling since I am highly interested in writing. I am extremely excited to work with other colleagues from all over the world.

Ariunaa Udval:

This is an awesome opportunity and I am ready for the challenge. I want to contribute to improving our Mongolian environment and to help people live healthy. I am really glad for being part of the team, and hope to gain a lot of experience.

Gitanjli Vashishth, from India:

Being an aspiring Environmentalist I look forward to sectors that are most negatively affected by industries and mining is one of them. I strongly feel that we are gifted with Planet Earth and should be held responsible for its condition instead of looking for planet B.

Nurbolotov Marsel, from Bishek, Kyrgyzstan:

I strongly believe that the campaign is a powerful way to engage young professionals in raising awareness about environmental and human rights protection in the mining sector.

Rupal Dharpure, from India:

I have always been passionate about nature and the environment. Growing up, observing environmental degradation upsets me alot. By joining this campaign I hope to help deliver change.

Srivani Bairi, from India:

Amidst these unprecedented times, any small move to help can impact greatly. To me, volunteering is invigorating and this collaborative project with UNDP and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency could genuinely succor people in the long run.

Soundarya Rajan, from Singapore:

I view journalism as a powerful tool that acts as an unofficial justice system for the people. Hence, I joined this campaign as I am thrilled at having the opportunity to utilize such a powerful weapon to improve lives.

Xinrui Wen, from China:

I've always been interested in raising awareness about environmental and human rights protection via storytelling, and I found this campaign to be an excellent opportunity for delving into the mining sector and helping me identify how environmental protection is regulated by a range of actors within a wider context.

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

The Mozambique Group

The Mozambique group of Young Environmental Journalists unites 23 young professionals and young leaders from Mozambique, Brazil, Canada, Nigeria, Portugal, South Africa and the United States. They are: Adriana Santos; Allan Carvalho; Amanda Karp; Ana Catarina Fernandes de Jesus; Andrea Elcira Bakala Nkaya Lembe; Bernardo Lopes; Diogo Nunes; Gabriel Sbaraini Nascimento Moura; Gabriella Crexinski; Isabelle von Randow; Júlia Ramos; Leonardo Silveira; Lívia Corazza; Luany Galdeano; Lucía Ferri Tórtola; Manuela Barroso; Marina Lima; Melaine Manhique; Miriam Santoro; Rita Cunha; Samuel Chiromo; Sandra Johnson; and Thiago Mattos Moreira.

Meet some of them today:

Allan Carvalho, from Brazil:

I wish to contribute to raise awareness about Mozambique's human rights governance while telling good stories about its people.

Ana Catarina de Jesus, from Portugal:

Volunteer work has been a constant for me, since a very early stage in my life. Therefore, I am very happy to have been selected to this campaign through which I can combine my passion about human rights and Africa.

Andréa Elcira Bakala:

I wanted to join the Young Environmental Journalists campaign to be part of the change that will shift the mining sector to one more mindful of the environment and respectful of human rights.

Diogo Nunes:

This campaign is an excellent opportunity to work alongside brilliant youths, being a privileged space where I can put my values and learnings into action as well as recognize the importance of journalism & storytelling in environmental and human rights protection.

Gabriel Moura, from Brazil:

We are part of the environment and it is our responsibility, as humans, to take care of it. That’s why I decided to join this campaign, to do my part, and to learn more about the mining sector and environmental protection.

Isabelle von Randow, from Vitória, Brazil:

I grew up near the Amazon Forest. Because of that, I studied a lot about Serra Pelada and the Gold Rush. As a Gemologist, this issue keeps haunting me. So, to be part of the Young Environmental Journalists campaign is an opportunity to learn more about good practices in the governance of the mining sector.

Luany Galdeano, from Brazil:

I am participating in this campaign because I believe that learning about human rights and environmental impact is crucial to young journalists, since we are the future voices of change.

Miriam Santoro, from Italy:

I strongly believe in the power of knowledge and information to build a more equal and sustainable society and to protect most vulnerable people's rights. I believe this campaign is an excellent opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to the issue of mining with like-minded people.

Sandra Johnson, from Akwa Ibom, Nigeria:

Being part of the Young Environmental Journalist campaign is an opportunity to contribute and make an impact in achieving the SDG No. 11 for sustainable environment by rendering quality research and information that will serve as an edge for awareness not only to the Mozambican community but also to the world concerning environmental issues and how best we can do something better towards a sustainable future.

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Meet the Young Environmental Journalists

Contact us:

SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, STOCKHOLM

Viktor Andréen and Francisco Filho: contact.egp@undp.org

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, NEW YORK

Sangita Khadka: Sangita.Khadka@undp.org

UNITED NATIONS VOLUNTEERS, New York and bonn

Lauren Phillips: Lauren.Phillips@unv.org
Amina Said: Amina.Said@unv.org

UNITED NATIONS INSTITUTE FOR TRAINING AND RESEARCH, GENEVA

Anna Sabrina Wollmann: Anna.Wollmann@unitar.org

Footnotes

Cover photo credits: © iStock.com/hsyncoban

FootNotes

Cover photo credits: © iStock.com/hsyncoban

© 2026 Environmental Governance Programme (EGP)

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