The Eco Dialogue Collective, DW Akademie’s new European Union (EU)-funded initiative, will support Namibia as it strengthens transparency and accountability in natural resource management.
“Namibia has an abundance of natural resources and precious ecosystems that need protection,” says Peter Limbourg, the director general of Germany’s international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW), at the project’s launch event in Windhoek on 27 March.
But it also faces the effects of climate change and the question of how all Namibians can benefit from its natural wealth.
Unbiased news and reliable facts are the basis for informed decisions, but this project goes beyond facts.
It considers different perspectives – from communities, business leaders, policymakers and the government.
It is important to have this dialogue to ensure every voice is heard.
Running from 2025 to 2027, the Eco Dialogue Collective is jointly implemented by DW Akademie, the NMT Media Foundation, the Institute for Public Policy Research, and the Legal Assistance Centre.
The project is funded by the EU and Germany’s federal ministry for economic cooperation and development.
By strengthening media and civil society, the Eco Dialogue Collective will enhance access to information, amplify voices in affected communities and support inclusive decision-making in the era of green transformation. The Eco Dialogue Collective aims to ensure that Namibia’s green economy and extractive industries are developed in a way that is inclusive, transparent and sustainable.
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
Ian Dupont from the EU delegation to Namibia says: “Civil society organisations and media are indispensable to democratic governance and sustainable development. They bridge societal divides, amplify marginalised voices and provide critical oversight that fosters transparency and accountability.
“The EU deeply values this role and remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen civic engagement, human rights and environmental justice.”
NMT Media Foundation director Zoé Titus says: “This project recognises that quality, public interest journalism is not a luxury; it is an essential public good. When communities have access to accurate, engaging and relevant information, they are better able to participate in shaping the policies that affect their land, livelihoods and futures.”
The project integrates three core components:
CONTENT PRODUCTION
A collaborative newsroom will be established to promote high-quality, explanatory, and constructive journalism on green growth, extractive industries, and environmental issues. The Eco Newsroom supports individual journalists, content producers, community radios, and media houses.
Special features include a youth-led section, a community-centred programme, and a decision-maker portal that will make reliable information accessible to different audiences.
DIALOGUE AND ADVOCACY
Community dialogues, workshops, and conferences across Namibia will encourage open discussion and exchange between communities, leaders, and policymakers. The goal is to foster democratic participation and give voice to local perspectives on Namibia’s development path.
TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING
A training programme will build journalists’ skills, civil society actors, and community advocates. Trainees will gain tools to analyse and explain green economy projects, practice evidence-based advocacy, and use media formats to communicate environmental and energy policy issues to the public.
DW Akademie is DW’s centre for international media development, journalistic training and knowledge transfer.
The projects strengthen the human right to freedom of expression and unhindered access to information.
DW Akademie empowers people worldwide to make independent decisions based on reliable facts and constructive dialogue.
It is a strategic partner of the German federal ministry for economic cooperation and development.
It also receives funding from the federal foreign office and the EU and is active in around 70 developing and emerging economies.
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