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The Role of the Media in Land Degradation and Reclamation Projects: A stakeholder engagement in the middle belt

The Role of the Media in Land Degradation and Reclamation Projects: A stakeholder engagement in the middle belt

The Regional Security Coordinator, Middle Belt Coordinator of the Minerals Development Fund, Regional Director of the Forestry Commission, Regional Environmental Protection Coordinator, the Regional NADMO Coordinator, representatives from NADMO headquarters, and members of the National Association of Small-Scale Miners.

The central agenda: “The Role of the Media in Land Degradation and Reclamation Projects.”

This high-level forum aimed to explore how the media can serve as a critical partner in the nation’s ongoing battle against land degradation while promoting effective reclamation initiatives, particularly in regions heavily impacted by illegal mining (galamsey), deforestation, and unregulated land use..

Through documentaries, local radio broadcasts, community journalism, and digital platforms, the media serves as a bridge between technical stakeholders and the general population, making complex environmental challenges understandable and actionable.


Holding Stakeholders Accountable

Participants agreed that the media has a watchdog responsibility, monitoring not only illegal operators but also ensuring that government agencies, mining companies, and environmental regulators fulfill their mandates. By tracking reclamation progress, exposing regulatory lapses, and demanding transparency in the utilization of resources like the Mineral Development Fund, journalists can ensure that stakeholders do not abandon their commitments after public announcements.


Amplifying Community Voices

Community involvement emerged as a recurring theme throughout the engagement. Local populations are often the first to experience the effects of degraded land—be it through polluted water sources, loss of farmland, or increased vulnerability to natural disasters. Media outlets, particularly community radio and vernacular programming, are in a unique position to amplify these voices, ensuring that the experiences and perspectives of affected communities are integrated into policy decisions and restoration efforts.

The Regional NADMO Coordinator noted that “for climate resilience and land restoration to be successful, the people most affected must be heard. The media is the most powerful megaphone for that.”


Educating the Public

Beyond exposing problems, the media must also serve as a platform for solutions. Educative programming about sustainable mining practices, land-use policies, afforestation initiatives, and environmental laws can transform public opinion and encourage behavioral change.

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