Radio Nova is joining eight other independent Irish radio stations in a major new initiative to bring listeners first-hand reporting from the Horn of Africa, focusing on the impact of drought, flooding and climate change.
An experienced international reporter will travel to Somaliland in early October to report on the challenges facing communities in the region and the work being carried out to help them prepare for the increasingly severe effects of climate change.
The initiative brings together Radio Nova and eight other independent stations: Midlands 103, Midwest Radio, KCLR 96FM, Radio Kerry, Ireland’s Classic Hits, Shannonside Northern Sound, South East Radio and WLR FM.
Reporter Lynsey Dolan will spend a week in Somaliland, providing coverage which will be shared across all nine stations and bring Irish listeners closer to the experiences of communities dealing with prolonged drought as well as the threat of devastating flooding.
The visit is being coordinated with humanitarian organisation Concern.
Somaliland is a semi-arid region which has experienced extended periods of drought in recent years, alongside flooding which can cause significant damage to farmland and communities.
As part of the reporting trip, Lynsey will see a range of projects designed to help communities adapt to changing weather patterns. These include the distribution of drought-resistant seeds and tools, dam construction and repairs, rainwater harvesting, and work to reduce the impact of flooding.
Concern’s Richard Nunn said the organisation is working with communities to help them adapt as the effects of climate change intensify.
“Concern is working with these communities to help them adapt as the impact of climate change continues to intensify. Our work includes climate-smart agriculture, supporting communities to access water, including rainwater harvesting and resilience building. We are currently working with communities to prepare for El Niño and to protect farmland from the devastating floods if and when they arrive.”
He said the visit would provide an opportunity to explain to Irish radio listeners the scale of the challenges facing communities in the region and the measures being taken to help them.
Lynsey Dolan has extensive experience covering both Irish and international stories. She works with Newstalk, Today FM and Network News and has previously reported from Africa.
Speaking ahead of the trip, Lynsey said the issues facing communities in Somaliland were important to highlight for Irish audiences.
“Droughts and flooding are very important issues for those affected in Somaliland and it is great that listeners to the nine stations will be able to hear first-hand details from people on the ground.”
Radio Nova and the eight participating stations are all members of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland.
The initiative highlights the role of independent radio in providing public service journalism and bringing important international stories directly to audiences across Ireland.
Coverage from Somaliland will be shared with Radio Nova listeners throughout the reporting week in October.
