Source ForPressRelease.com

Climate Narrative Hub (CNH), an initiative by Dasra and Momentum Shifts, in collaboration with the Rainmatter Foundation, has launched a new guide to support journalists and content creators in reporting on human–wildlife interactions with greater context, clarity, and on-ground understanding. Released on the International Day of Forests, the manual aims to strengthen storytelling around how communities and wildlife share landscapes across India.



Co-created with a coalition including - Network for Conserving Central India, Wildlife Conservation Society–India, Coexistence Consortium, The Corbett Foundation, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, and The Nature Conservancy - this handbook moves beyond episodic reporting tied only to moments of crisis and instead seeks to build a richer understanding of one of the most complex environmental and social challenges facing many regions today.



In doing so, it encourages a broader approach to reporting on human–wildlife interactions by drawing greater attention to coexistence, adaptation, and the everyday practices through which communities navigate shared environments. Across many forested and biodiversity-rich regions, people live alongside wildlife with a deep understanding of local landscapes, seasonal shifts, and ecological patterns. It aims to support narratives that more meaningfully reflect these lived realities.



Vishaka George, Communication Consultant, Dasra said, “There are many stories to be told about our forests, their biodiversity, and the communities that live alongside them. Told more often and with care, they can deepen public connection to nature and shift conversations towards protecting both communities and wildlife. We hope this resource encourages more thoughtful, sensitive storytelling, mindful of language, data, and whose voices are centred.”



The handbook also supports more informed and well-rounded storytelling by offering practical resources, including:

â—� Sample questionnaire for more sensitive reporting - frameworks for engaging with affected communities and experts in an informed and sensitive manner, highlighting key pitfalls such as sensationalism of language.

â—� Directory of experts - a curated directory of researchers, journalists, and practitioners to ensure nuanced on-ground reporting.

â—� Repository of data sources- a collection of key data references to ground reporting in evidence and support well-rounded, contextualised storytelling.



Drawing from consultations with researchers and practitioners, the guide highlights a few key principles for stronger narrative: moving beyond the immediate event to ask what larger ecological or systemic factors are at play, using clear and neutral language, and ensuring balanced sourcing by including voices such as forest-dwelling communities, Adivasi elders, women, and local conservation practitioners alongside officials. It also underlines that stories can benefit from showing the full spectrum of human–wildlife relationships, including adaptation, local response, and practical solutions on the ground.