Climate Narrative Hub Launches Guide to Support Context-Rich Reporting on Human–Wildlife Interactions on International Day of Forests 

New Delhi, Mar 24: Climate Narrative Hub (CNH), an initiative by Dasra and Momentum Shifts, in collaboration with the Rainmatter Foundation, has launched a new guide to support journalists and content creators in reporting on human–wildlife interactions with greater context, clarity, and on-ground understanding. Released on the International Day of Forests, the manual aims to strengthen storytelling around how communities and wildlife share landscapes across India. 

Co-created with a coalition including – Network for Conserving Central India, Wildlife Conservation Society–India, Coexistence Consortium, The Corbett Foundation, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, and The Nature Conservancy – this handbook moves beyond episodic reporting tied only to moments of crisis and instead seeks to build a richer understanding of one of the most complex environmental and social challenges facing many regions today.

In doing so, it encourages a broader approach to reporting on human–wildlife interactions by drawing greater attention to coexistence, adaptation, and the everyday practices through which communities navigate shared environments. Across many forested and biodiversity-rich regions, people live alongside wildlife with a deep understanding of local landscapes, seasonal shifts, and ecological patterns. It aims to support narratives that more meaningfully reflect these lived realities.

Vishaka George, Communication Consultant, Dasra said,

“There are many stories to be told about our forests, their biodiversity, and the communities that live alongside them. Told more often and with care, they can deepen public connection to nature and shift conversations towards protecting both communities and wildlife. We hope this resource encourages more thoughtful, sensitive storytelling, mindful of language, data, and whose voices are centred.”

The handbook also supports more informed and well-rounded storytelling by offering practical resources, including:

• Sample questionnaire for more sensitive reporting – frameworks for engaging with affected communities and experts in an informed and sensitive manner, highlighting key pitfalls such as sensationalism of language.

• Directory of experts –  a curated directory of researchers, journalists, and practitioners to ensure nuanced on-ground reporting.

• Repository of data sources –  a collection of key data references to ground reporting in evidence and support well-rounded, contextualised storytelling.

Drawing from consultations with researchers and practitioners, the guide highlights a few key principles for stronger narrative: moving beyond the immediate event to ask what larger ecological or systemic factors are at play, using clear and neutral language, and ensuring balanced sourcing by including voices such as forest-dwelling communities, Adivasi elders, women, and local conservation practitioners alongside officials. It also underlines that stories can benefit from showing the full spectrum of human–wildlife relationships, including adaptation, local response, and practical solutions on the ground.

DALKHAI Initiative: Strengthening Local Livelihoods to Curb Migration

The state government of Odisha has stepped up efforts to address the issue of labour migration by promoting the DALKHAI initiative, a programme aimed at creating more employment opportunities within local communities and improving rural livelihoods.

The initiative focuses on ensuring that people, especially in rural and tribal regions, can find work closer to home instead of being forced to migrate to other states in search of daily wages. Officials said the programme is being implemented through coordinated efforts of multiple departments to support income generation and skill-based employment.

The main objective is to build stronger village-level economies by promoting self-reliance and creating sustainable livelihood options. The government believes that when employment is available locally, families can remain together and maintain better social and economic stability.

Under the initiative, emphasis is being placed on encouraging small-scale enterprises, supporting agricultural and allied activities, and expanding rural infrastructure-related work. Skill development and capacity-building programmes are also being integrated to help youth and workers access better job opportunities within their own regions.

Officials highlighted that migration is often driven by lack of stable income opportunities in local areas. By addressing this gap, the DALKHAI initiative aims to reduce economic pressure on families and improve overall living conditions in rural communities.

The government has described the programme as part of its broader commitment to inclusive development, where growth is not limited to urban centres but extends equally to villages and remote areas.

Experts note that such initiatives can help strengthen rural economies, increase local spending power, and reduce dependency on external labour markets. Over time, this is expected to contribute to more balanced regional development and improved quality of life.

In essence, the DALKHAI initiative is being positioned as a step towards ensuring that people can earn a dignified livelihood in their own villages, reducing the need for migration and supporting long-term rural development.

India’s Heritage Sites Attract Film Shoots and Foreign Tourists, Boosting Eco-Tourism Growth

India’s iconic heritage monuments are emerging as popular destinations for film shootings and international tourism, reflecting a growing blend of culture, cinema, and sustainable travel promotion across the country.

Among the most prominent examples is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Qutub Minar, which has recently witnessed a rise in film shoots, documentary productions, and visual storytelling projects. The monument’s architectural grandeur and historical significance continue to attract filmmakers seeking authentic backdrops for cinema and digital content.

Pic Credit: Pexel

Tourism officials report that increased media exposure and cinematic visibility of heritage sites have contributed to a steady rise in foreign tourist arrivals. International visitors are showing greater interest in India’s cultural landmarks, history, and architectural heritage, with sites like Qutub Minar becoming key attractions in travel itineraries.

Experts say this growing trend is not only boosting tourism but also strengthening India’s cultural and eco-tourism ecosystem. By promoting responsible tourism practices, authorities aim to ensure that heritage conservation goes hand in hand with visitor engagement and economic development.

The government and tourism bodies have been encouraging controlled film shootings at protected monuments under strict guidelines to ensure that heritage structures are not damaged. These initiatives are designed to balance creative use of historical sites with long-term preservation.

Tourism stakeholders believe that film shoots play a major role in global destination branding. When Indian monuments appear in films, documentaries, or digital media, they generate international curiosity and encourage more foreign travelers to explore these destinations in person.

Alongside cultural tourism, eco-tourism efforts are also being strengthened. Sustainable travel practices such as regulated visitor flow, improved cleanliness standards, and awareness campaigns are being implemented at major heritage sites to reduce environmental impact.

Officials note that this integrated approach—combining heritage conservation, film tourism, and eco-friendly travel—supports local employment, boosts small businesses, and enhances India’s global tourism profile.

With rising international interest and increasing creative use of historical sites, India’s heritage monuments are evolving into dynamic cultural spaces that connect history, cinema, and sustainable tourism.