A strong call has been made to Pacific media to listen carefully and understand the stories they cover — especially when it comes to reporting on climate-related loss and damage. The message was highlighted during a regional media workshop recently held in Samoa, focusing on strengthening Pacific journalism on the issue.

The three-day workshop was organised by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and brought together nearly 20 journalists from across the Pacific region. The training aimed to build the capacity of local media who often serve as frontline reporters for vulnerable communities facing the impacts of climate change.

Loss and damage refers to the various forms of irreversible harm caused by climate change, such as the destruction of crops, cultural sites, homes, and even the loss of lives due to sea-level rise and stronger cyclones. Despite its importance, understanding of the issue remains limited at the community level in many parts of the Pacific.

Recognising this gap, SPREP emphasised the key role of media in educating communities and amplifying their stories. One of the workshop’s key sessions focused on interviewing techniques. SPREP’s Communications and Public Relations Officer, and former Samoa news editor, Sosikeni Lesa, told reporters that listening with intention is crucial.

“Listen carefully and listen to understand — because sometimes you listen just to react, but you are not listening to understand. Remember, your goal is to understand,” she said.

She reminded participants that journalists are the ears and eyes of the public, and their role is to provide accurate and clear information to help people make informed decisions.

“As an editor, if you can’t answer what, when, where, why, and how, you fail. Because that’s what the public expects you to deliver,” Lesa added.

The workshop included hands-on practical interview exercises to sharpen participants’ skills. It was designed to ensure that when they return to their respective countries, they are better equipped to report effectively on issues of loss and damage.

Ultimately, the goal of the workshop is to empower Pacific journalists to take the voices of affected communities to international platforms, ensuring that real stories of climate impacts are heard and acted upon through global climate advocacy.