Oct 2024
From Conflict to Coexistence: 6 Ways To Ensure Balanced Reporting on HWI
When headlines sensationalising human wildlife interactions make the news, they often send shockwaves through communities, stirring fear and concern. The tragic incident in Gujarat, coupled with reports of alleged wolf attacks in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, highlights the growing interactions between humans and wildlife in recent times. These incidents have triggered widespread concern among local communities.
The media often portrays human-wildlife interactions in a way that can heighten public anxiety and lead to misconceptions. Terms like "maneater," "menace," and "threat" are frequently used to describe these encounters, which can create a skewed perception of the situation. It’s essential for reporting on such incidents to maintain a neutral tone to prevent unnecessary fear and alarm within the public.
Wildlife experts have been advocating for a balanced and evidence-based approach to understanding human-wildlife conflicts. It is essential for journalists and media outlets to take greater responsibility in how they report and discuss these issues.A balanced approach helps promote a holistic understanding and encourages constructive dialogue about human-wildlife interactions.
Here are 6 ways through which journalists from local and national media outlets can achieve more responsible coverage of these issues
1. Verify facts with wildlife experts: Before linking incidents to a specific species, consult with wildlife authorities, conservationists, and veterinary experts involved in the investigation.
2. Prioritise fact-based reporting: While catchy headlines might draw attention, they can also incite fear within communities, leading to unnecessary retaliation against wildlife.
3. Use clear terminology: It's vital to explain situations with scientifically accepted terms. Doing so helps avoid misconceptions about animal behaviour.
4. Highlight conflict mitigation strategies: Instead of just highlighting problems, journalists should emphasise constructive solutions like better livestock protection, awareness campaigns, and community involvement in conservation.
5. Include diverse perspectives: Incorporating insights from wildlife experts, conservationists, local authorities, and community leaders helps build a more holistic understanding of the situation.
6. Promote community dialogue: Fostering discussions among field experts can lead to collaborative solutions and a shared responsibility in managing wildlife interactions.
The expansion of human settlements into wildlife habitats frequently results in increased interactions and conflicts. Coexistence is achievable through effective conflict resolution strategies, active community involvement, and awareness programs. By encouraging collaboration among communities, wildlife authorities, and the media, we can pave the way for a future where humans and wildlife coexist peacefully.
These insights emerged from a recent roundtable organised by ClimateRISE Alliance - 'From Conflict to Coexistence: Media's Role in Shaping Public Perception on Human-Wildlife Interactions', where sector leaders and experts discussed the power of media in driving positive change for both wildlife and society.