Behind every climate story, there is a community: Strengthening local reporting in Kosovo

Journalism can take the story further: examining how climate change influences these risks, how prepared communities are and whether institutions are taking action to protect them.

These connections were at the centre of a journalist training activity organised in cooperation with the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK). Through practical exercises, exchanges with experienced journalists and a new resource journal, participants explored approaches to covering climate change and the energy transition through the experiences of communities across Kosovo.

At the launch event, Payam Ghalehdar, Climate Attaché at the German Embassy in Kosovo, highlighted the relationship between journalists and the communities they report on.

“For many citizens, climate change becomes meaningful through something they experience close to home. A farmer is concerned about when rain will arrive. A family wants to understand why their neighbourhood floods after heavy rainfall. An older person needs to know how to stay safe during extreme heat. These are stories about livelihoods, health, homes and the decisions people make every day,” he told participants.

He also underlined the importance of examining decisions and commitments, checking the information behind claims and helping citizens understand how communities can prepare for climate impacts.

A practical resource for everyday reporting

The launch event included the presentation of the Resource Journal on Climate Reporting in Kosovo, developed by Uran Haxha and examined in greater depth throughout the training.

Available in Albanian, Serbian and English, the journal brings together guidance for journalists researching climate and energy topics. It supports the process of identifying a story, finding credible sources and explaining technical concepts in language that audiences can understand.

Its practical value lies in helping journalists move from a broad subject towards a focused piece of reporting: identifying a local angle, preparing informed interview questions and seeking evidence that helps explain the issue.

Designed for continued use beyond the training, the journal provides a reference for journalists as they research stories, prepare interviews and develop new reporting ideas.

Access the resource journal in Albanian, Serbian and English: https://agk-ks.org/en/publications/climate-change-journalism-in-kosovo-…

From Climate Knowledge to Local Stories

The training placed particular emphasis on applying knowledge through practical work. Sessions with Doruntina Baliu and Uran Haxha gave participants opportunities to explore approaches to climate reporting and consider how these could inform their own work.

The exercise with Uran provided a practical connection between the resource journal and the process of developing a story. It created space for participants to work with guidance, discuss their approaches and reflect on how climate issues could be covered for their audiences.

For participant Eriola Cacaj, the guidebook and the training offered support she could take into future reporting:

“The guidebook on climate change in Kosovo, prepared by Uran Haxha, has made it easier for us to report on these issues. The three-day training with all the trainers has also helped us approach climate change reporting more easily in the future.”

Reporting stories shared by Katarina Topalova added another perspective, bringing examples from regional journalistic practice into the discussion. Alongside the exercises, these experiences helped connect the training’s themes with the work involved in telling climate stories.

Journalist Shqipe Desku highlighted the relevance of this experience for local media and the opportunity to build on existing environmental reporting:

“This has been especially important for those of us working in local media. We have covered environmental topics, but what we have understood and learned here has helped us include the climate change perspective in that work.” She also valued the exchange with fellow journalists, expressing hope that their collaboration would continue beyond the training.

Opening the discussion to more journalists

The presentation and training are part of a wider effort to make practical climate reporting resources accessible to journalists across Kosovo.

An upcoming webinar will introduce the resource journal to a broader audience and explore how it can support everyday reporting. It will be open to all interested journalists, including young professionals pursuing a career in journalism.

The webinar will offer an opportunity to become familiar with the resource journal, ask questions and consider how its approaches can support stories about climate change and the energy transition in Kosovo.

Details on the webinar and how to participate will be shared through the GIZ Kosovo and AJK Facebook and LinkedIn channels. By connecting practical guidance with journalists’ experiences, the activity supports reporting that helps communities understand climate impacts, examine the responses and participate in discussions about the choices affecting their lives. The GIZ-implemented project supporting the Kosovo–Germany Climate and Energy Transition Partnership is supported by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) through the International Climate Initiative (IKI).