Support for investigative journalism in Nicaragua

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

In Nicaragua environmental trade-related problems have been increasing last years nationwide.Many projects presented by the government, like building an inter-oceanic canal or giving concessions to explore oil in the Caribbean sea, put in jeopardy the unique environment, violate human rights (especially the indigenous people’s and local communities) and national, municipal and autonomy laws. There is a great lack of information among the population as well as among the journalists. The Civil Society of Nicaragua have their serious concerns about the projects of the government. They also consider that the consolidation of a democracy is threatened because of the corruption and lack of transparency. They see, that equitable and sustainable development can not be achieved without a strong and informed citizenship, which has a capacity to demand or debate the problems openly. Government uses the official media apparatus exerting more control over people and institutions, including the press, and casting the independent and private media as enemies. The project aim is to improve Civil Society’s information work, strengthen Nicaraguan journalists´ professionalism providing them necessary information, academic education and proper training on investigative journalism methods to use as tools when working with complex issues like trade, environment and human rights. One of the key objectives of the project is to strengthen the institutional sustainability of the Centro Humboldt and URACCAN as well as enhance the independent media journalist’s professionalism through training; high-quality and responsible local, regional and national journalism together with competitive Civil Society organizations can raise awareness of the problems among the great public. It can finally help to improve the environmental and economical conditions of local communities and vulnerable and marginalized ethnic groups’ livelihoods promoting at one time transparency in national policies, democracy and peoples´ participation in decision-making processes in national, municipal and local levels. The immediate beneficiaries are Centro Humboldt`s Information Unit (6 media officers) and journalists, approximately 80 - this include the Environmental Journalist’s Network in northern Region of Pacific side of Nicaragua. The project include journalists who work as correspondents for independent TV Channels and newspapers, local TV- and radio stations and freelancers.