Media Lab: Stories Into the Woods

MEDIA LAB

STORIES INTO THE WOODS
Online | 7–8 May 2025, 13:00–14:30 UTC
(8 AM Bogota, 1 PM Accra, 8 PM Jakarta)
Interpretation available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Bahasa Indonesia

Hosted by:

Forests are everywhere, standing tall for climate action, economic stability and human well-being. Yet, they remain at risk – often misunderstood, sometimes overlooked and always essential.  

Communicators play a crucial role in decoding the science, revealing hidden narratives and making forest stories resonate with diverse audiences. 

During this two-day media lab, experts guided participants through crafting compelling stories that connect people and forests, harness technology and data, and navigated audience engagement.  

 Held between GLF Forests 2025 and Forests, People, Planet, and in the buildup to the decisive climate COP30, the lab sharpened participants’ skills in working with scientists and creating powerful forest stories. 

AGENDA

DAY 1

7 May 2025

13:00–13:10

Why a Media Lab on forests?

13:10–13:50

Making forests matter to younger audiences

Panel and Q&A

How do we bring forest stories to life for younger audiences? Storytelling experts will share what works, from social media to traditional newsrooms. Kiyo, Business and Climate Reporter and “Planet A” Lead at Deutsche Welle (DW); Yunanto, Science Journalist and Visual Interaktif Kompas (VIK) Manager at Kompas; and Andrea, Social Media Specialist at the GLF, explored impactful angles, formats and language choices that make forest stories engaging and relevant. They also discussed how to highlight positive narratives, create content directly from forests, fact-check content and manage story production in teams of any size. 

13:50–14:30

Bridging journalism and science

Discussion and Q&A 

In an informal exchange, Paula Díaz Levi, General Editor – Latin America at Climate Tracker; Beria Leimona, Theme Leader – Climate Change, Energy & Low-Carbon Development at CIFOR-ICRAF and Eden, Multimedia Editor at ThinkLandscape unpacked the art of collaboration. They discussed tackling misinformation, uncovering unexpected forest stories and connecting forests to climate narratives. Discover how science and storytelling can work together to make forest issues more accessible and compelling. 

DAY 2

8 May 2025

13:00–13:40

From figures to forests: Data in storytelling

Demo and Q&A

Explore how data from scientists and communities can enrich fact-based storytelling, from in-depth investigations to quick snapshots. With Felix, Head of Media at Odipo Dev; Tor-Gunnar, Head of Spatial Data Science and Applied Learning Lab at CIFOR-ICRAF; and Ava, Associate Editor at ThinkLandscape, learn how dashboards, satellite imagery, AI and data visualization help uncover new angles, enhance reporting, navigate safety or budget constraints, strengthen investigations and fact-check information. 

13:40–14:20

Ideate and pitch impactful forest stories

Expert tips and Q&A

The Pulitzer Center grantees Elodie Toto, Central Africa staff writer at Mongabay Africa; Paritta Wangkiat, editor-in-chief of The Mekong Eye; Rob Soutar, Environment Editor at The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ); and Magalhães, the GLFx Latin America & the Caribbean Hub Officer, shared how to craft, pitch and publish compelling forest stories. Drawing from their experience in editorial leadership, investigative reporting and fieldwork, they guided participants on how to shape story angles, use data effectively and structure stories for high impact. 

14:20–14:30

What's next? Forest content resources and a small grant opportunity

After attending the Media Lab, journalists and content creators received quick references to fact-based content on forests and were invited to submit story ideas for a chance to win a small grant and guidance to produce their stories. Learn more below! 

MEET THE SPEAKERS

THE FOREST STORY GRANT

Journalists and content creators: do you have a forest story to tell? We want to support you!

Who is this grant for? Journalists and social media content creators who attended the Media Lab, have a proven track record of relevant publications and an active platform or engagement with an outlet, and have never been part of a GLF program except the Social Media Ambassadors program.  

How to apply: Submit a 250-word pitch outlining your original forest story idea by 30 May. Include key angles, the proposed format and a distribution plan. You are invited to apply in English, Spanish, French or Portuguese. The application form will be sent to you by email on 9 May. 

What grants are available? 

  • Journalistic story (USD 500). Format: Written, audio (radio/podcast), audiovisual or visual-only. Must feature insights from at least one of the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF)’s network changemakers (Restoration Stewards or GLFx chapters). The distribution plan should include potential cross-publication on ThinkLandscape.  
  • Social media story (USD 200). Format: 60–90 second video. The story should expand on themes from GLF Forests 2025 or to be addressed at Forests, People, Planet and be published as a collaborative post across your platforms and the GLF’s social media channels.  

What does the grant include? The journalistic report will receive USD 500 and editorial guidance from the ThinkLandscape team if the story is to be published on the platform. The social media reel will receive USD 200 and guidance from the GLF social media team. Payment will be made upon publication. Your story must be published no later than the start of COP30 (10 November). 

The application deadline is 30 May. Finalists will be announced by 21 June. The grant may be declared void if none of the proposals are considered viable. 

Questions? Contact Kelly Quintero at k.quintero@cifor-icraf.org and media@globallandscapesforum.org.

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GLF Africa 2025

HYBRID CONFERENCE

GLF Africa 2025:

Innovate, Restore, Prosper

How can nature power Africa’s present and future?

Join online from anywhere in the world or in Nairobi, Kenya, and follow the event in English, French and Swahili.

19 June 2025

Live
from Nairobi,
Kenya

#GLFAfrica

 

Already registered? Enter event

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Read the event concept note to learn more

Africa holds two-thirds of the world’s arable land.

How can it build an economy that keeps this land healthy for future generations?

Africa’s landscapes are facing a triple crisis: land degradation, biodiversity loss and the climate crisis. Nature is declining, land is struggling to support a growing population, policies are stalling, funding is diminishing, and land rights remain in limbo.

And yet, there are multiple opportunities to turn things around. Africa deserves healthy, resilient and prosperous landscapes, communities and economies – and it can achieve all of these by  building a vibrant nature economy with the help of its rich natural capital, science and traditional knowledge, paired with  good governance, meaningful partnerships, AI and big data.

Join our annual hybrid event to learn how Africa can build a thriving nature economy grounded in natural capital that works for nature and people. Discover new innovations and opportunities in Africa’s nature economy, and get inspired by like-minded people and thought leaders from across the continent and beyond.

MEET SOME OF OUR SPEAKERS

Explore the event themes

Explore high-impact, cost-effective strategies to restore and sustainably manage African landscapes

Defend the land and tree tenure rights of women, youth, local communities and Indigenous Peoples

Discover how the nature economy can underpin climate adaptation across the continent

Learn how to use AI and big data to achieve impact in restoration

Why should you join?

Connect.

Network with top experts, youth, Indigenous and local leaders, businesses, policymakers and financiers. Forge new collaborations to transform and revitalize Africa’s economy to create millions of green jobs.

Exchange knowledge and experiences with thousands of fellow participants from across Africa and the globe. Show the world how Africa can rethink “development” and take charge of its own destiny.

Discover how Africa can overcome its climate, land and development challenges, spearheaded by local communities and a new generation of young stewards.

Play your part in rewriting Africa’s story. Help build a sustainable future for the continent’s landscapes beyond development aid – led by Africans, for Africans.

Check out our best GLF Africa content

What others are saying about GLF Africa

Past editions of GLF Africa

Past Editions Photos

Any questions? Get in touch.

General

Amos Amanubo

a.amanubocifor-icraf[dot]org

Marina Brunale

m.brunalecifor-icraf[dot]org

MEDIA

Kelly Quintero

K.Quinterocifor-icraf[dot]org

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Forests, People, Planet

Forests, People, Planet, as it happened

Local communities are vital to the future of forests. How can we support them in taking their work to the next level?

At Forests, People, Planet: Scaling Local Solutions for Global Impact, we gathered over 3,000 participants from 129 countries to find answers to this crucial question.

Held online and in Kemptville, Ontario, Canada, alongside the International Model Forest Network (IMFN) Global Forum 2025, this global event featured 60 speakers and over 50 global and local partner organizations, reaching almost 6 million people on social and traditional media channels, with almost 1 million engagements.

Building on GLF Forests 2025, we organized 8 plenaries, expert-led sessions and panel discussions to explore the key roles of stewardship, agroforestry and finance in building the restoration economy we need.

Share:

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

VIDEOS

News

PHOTOS

ORGANIZERS, SPONSORS & participating organizations

Learn more about
the International Model Forest Network (IMFN)

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GLF Forests 2025

The GLF Forests 2025 Hybrid Conference, as it happened

Hosted in Bonn, Germany, and online, the GLF Forests 2025 Hybrid Conference: Defining the Next Decade of Action united over 3,000 participants from 145 countries, along with 105 speakers and over 50 global and local partner organizations to lay the foundations for a resilient, productive and just future for forests on the road from Baku to Belém

The global event reached over 13 million people via social media and media channels, with more than 700,000 engagements.

Across 27 plenaries, expert sessions, side events, networking sessions and forest talks, the conference sparked vibrant conversations on what we need to do to save the forests before it’s too late.

Stay tuned for the event outcome statement!

Share:

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

VIDEOS

News

PHOTOS

2024 African Youth Storytelling Contest

What young Africans want the world to know

We received hundreds of stories that paint a picture of hope and resilience in the face of the mounting climate and biodiversity crises, showcasing the diverse and inspiring narratives of Africa’s youth. Congratulations to all the winners of the 2024 African Youth Storytelling Contest!

ORGANIZERS, SPONSORS & participating organizations

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AI for the Earth

AI for The

Earth

[2025 Digital Forum]
27
MARCH
ONLINE
11:00-12:45 UTC

#ThinkLandscape

How can we unleash AI to save – not destroy – the planet? Hear from top experts and innovators on how we can bring the best out of AI for conservation and restoration.

AI is unlocking new ways to monitor, protect and restore landscapes at an unprecedented scale. Local innovations can lead the way – whether that’s AI-powered satellite data to track deforestation, remote sensing tomonitor agroforestry initiatives or aerial imagery to identify tree species. 

How can we work across sectors to develop innovative AI solutions for the planet? What does the future hold for AI-driven restoration? Join this digital forum to find out. 

Agenda

11:00–11:10

Opening remarks

11:10–11:50

Session 1: Open access AI for community-led restoration

Indigenous groups in the Amazon are using AI-powered satellite data to monitor deforestation, while communities in West Africa are working with remote sensing to monitor agroforestry initiatives across cocoa value chains in Côte d’Ivoire. Discover these and many more success stories that demonstrate the transformative potential of AI when guided by local knowledge and ethical frameworks.
11:55–12:35

Session 2: AI for global biodiversity and climate goals

Following the historic global biodiversity agreement, and with the world now turning its focus to the COP30 climate conference in Brazil, there has never been a more critical time for climate and biodiversity action.  

In this session, our speakers will discuss how to work across sectors to build innovative AI-driven solutions, how to ensure that these solutions are inclusive and equitable, and what the next wave of AI innovations will look like. 

12:35–12:45

Closing remarks

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

EXPLORE RELEVANT RESOURCES

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The 7th GLF Investment Case Symposium

The 7th GLF Investment Case Symposium, as it happened

In Cali, Colombia, and online, we gathered over 2,000 participants from 108 countries, along with almost 100 speakers and 91 global and local partner organizations, at the 7th GLF Investment Case Symposium, Rewarding Nature: A Roadmap to Finance the Biodiversity Plan.

Held alongside the 2024 UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16), the global event explored how to fund efforts to stem and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

Missed the event? You’re in luck – all hybrid and online sessions are now available to stream on demand.

Share:

VIDEOS

News

PHOTOS

Recap: the Biodiversity COP16

What’s your vision for Earth?

From 21–31 October 2024, the GLF team was in Cali, Colombia to cover this year’s UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) and watch world leaders hash out the next steps for the Global Biodiversity Framework.

PAST GLF INVESTMENT CASE SYMPOSIA

GLF–Luxembourg Finance for Nature 2023

GLF Climate 2021

GLF Luxembourg 2019

GLF Washington, D.C. 2018

GLF London 2016

GLF London 2015

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OFAC Hybrid Forum: What is the State of Central African Forests?

Share:

The forests of Central Africa are vital, but how do we protect them?

On 20 June 2024, over 700 participants from 77 countries, including experts, practitioners and policymakers gathered to discuss the challenges faced by the Congo Basin and how to address them using the latest data-driven strategies.


Here’s what we learned from OFAC Hybrid Forum, showing why it’s so vital that we protect and restore forests.

Meet the speakers

Explore the event themes

Solutions and latest knowledge

Solutions and latest knowledge

Discover solutions and the latest knowledge shared by experts and practitioners working in forest information management in Central Africa.

Engaging policymakers

Engaging policymakers

Explore the critical role of research in advancing sustainable development and facilitating ecological transitions, emphasizing the importance of data collection, processing and validation in forest and environmental contexts.

Technology

Technology

Reflect on the evolution of technology and its implications for data generation and dissemination in forest and environmental contexts, and consider future opportunities to ensure that emerging technologies are leveraged to enhance data collection, processing and dissemination.

Partnerships

Partnerships

Build partnerships and identify collaboration opportunities with key stakeholders to highlight the significance of Congo Basin forests, emphasizing their crucial role in climate regulation and their impact on the livelihoods of dependent populations.

REGISTRATION

Register now to stay up to date

Join OFAC Hybrid Forum in Bonn, Germany

Join us in person in Bonn at the GLF Secretariat, located in the beautiful Rheinaue Leisure Park right next to the Bonn Climate Change Conference venue.

COLLABORATION PARTNERS

Contacts

Any questions? Get in touch

Judith Sonneck

GLF Global Conferences and Events Outreach Coordinator

j.sonneckcifor-icraf[dot]org

Journalists

Are you working on a story about the Central African rainforests or looking for fresh ideas? Reach out to Kelly Quintero at k.quintero@cifor-icraf.org to explore story angles, connect with experts in the science, practices, and policies of the world’s second-largest forests, or join the event online from anywhere in the globe or in person if you are in Bonn, Germany.

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GLF Africa 2024: Greening the African Horizon

GLF AFRICA 2024: GREENING THE AFRICAN HORIZON

The GLF Africa 2024 Hybrid Conference, as it happened

Hosted in Nairobi, Kenya, and online, the GLF Nairobi 2024 Hybrid Conference: Greening the African Horizon united 3,555 participants from 119 countries, along with 110 speakers and 69 global and local partner organizations, to forge a prosperous and sustainable future for Africa’s land- and seascapes, powered by local solutions. The global event reached 189 million people via social media and media channels, with more than 2.5 million engagements.

Across 37 plenaries, expert sessions, side events, networking sessions and inspirational talks, the conference sparked vibrant conversations on local solutions to the global climate and ecological crises in 2024.

Share:

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

VIDEOS

News

PHOTOS

#GLFAfrica Photography Awards Summary

Celebrating Africa’s diverse landscapes and highlighting locally-led landscape solutions

Photographers from all over the world submitted amazing photos showcasing Africa’s diverse peoples and their way of life across the continent’s varied landscapes. Meet the winners of the GLF Africa 2024 Photography Awards!

Past editions of GLF Africa

GLF Nairobi 2023

GLF Africa 2022

GLF Africa 2021

GLF Accra 2019

GLF Nairobi 2018

2024 African Youth Storytelling Contest

What young Africans want the world to know

We received hundreds of stories that paint a picture of hope and resilience in the face of the mounting climate and biodiversity crises, showcasing the diverse and inspiring narratives of Africa’s youth. Congratulations to all the winners of the 2024 African Youth Storytelling Contest!

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GLF Peatlands 2024 Hybrid Conference

GLF Peatlands 2024:
The Climate Solution We Forgot

Missed the conference?
Explore the latest insights on peatland conservation in an interactive event report.

Alongside the Bonn Climate Change Conference

#GLFPeatlands

06 June 2024

Share:

Are you attending the Bonn Climate Change Conference?

Join us in person in Bonn at the GLF Secretariat, located in the beautiful Rheinaue Leisure Park right next to the Bonn Climate Change Conference venue.

What happened at GLF Peatlands 2024

On 6 June 2024, 1,300 participants from 118 countries, 41 speakers and more than 30 global and local partner organizations united to give peatlands the attention they deserve. 


Here’s what happened at the event!

Event concept

Meet the speakers

Are you attending the Bonn Climate Change Conference? 

or tune in online from wherever you are in the world!

Event themes

State of peatland knowledge

Dive deep into the various schools of peatland science from across the globe, and uncover the vital role of peatlands in climate-resilient and biodiverse landscapes. Explore the latest techniques in the conservation, restoration and sustainable management of peatlands.

Policy perspectives

Dissect the myriad national strategies and initiatives aimed at mapping and managing peatlands. We’ll navigate the complexities of implementation, learn from effective actions against degradation and chart pathways for successful policies.

Communities and livelihoods

Learn the cultural significance of peatlands and the challenges and opportunities of integrating Indigenous wisdom into restoration practices. Learn about participatory approaches that honor traditional land uses while achieving conservation goals.

Money talk

Discover innovative finance models, blended mechanisms and the role of the private sector in driving peatland conservation. Learn how to make the investment case for peatland conservation – and how to market it.

Event partners

REGISTRATION

Register now to stay up to date!

The original GLF Peatlands

In 2017, 400 people gathered in Jakarta, Indonesia, to push for the sustainable  management of peatlands around the world. Find out what happened at GLF: Peatlands Matter and how it set the scene for this year’s event.

Any questions? Get in touch.

Venetia Galanaki

Events Project Officer

v.galanakicifor-icraf[dot]org

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Restoration Experiences Digital Forum

Restoration Experiences Digital Forum

Sharing the view from the ground and connecting across landscapes

Interpretation in English, Spanish and French

The digital forum is hosted by:

Restoration Experiences Digital Forum

Sharing the view from the ground and connecting across landscapes

Please join us via Zoom to follow the event in Spanish, Portuguese or French, and ask questions.

Please follow these instructions during the digital forum:
  • Please ensure that communication is conducted in a respectful manner, with particular consideration to avoid marginalization or exclusion
  • Use Chat to introduce yourself and share comments.
  • Ask questions using the Q&A function
  • Click Interpretation to choose your preferred language between English, Spanish, Portuguese and French

 

Troubleshooting Join here!

The digital forum is hosted by:

Restoration Experiences Digital Forum

Sharing the view from the ground and connecting across landscapes

The digital forum is hosted by:

WHEN

21 November 2023

TIME

14:00–17:00 UTC

WHERE

Online

SOCIAL

#ThinkLandscape

At this digital forum, learn how we can protect our food, water, carbon stocks and biodiversity by restoring landscapes.

The climate and biodiversity crises are already affecting people and landscapes around the world. But there’s one natural remedy that can tackle them both: restoring degraded and damaged landscapes.

There are already countless restoration projects that are turning degraded landscapes into beacons of hope and resilience. On 21 November, you’ll have the chance to get to know some of these projects and meet the people behind them.

Discover how local restoration projects are reshaping landscapes globally, and get inspired to start your own!

REGISTRATION

Register now to stay up to date!
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Agenda

14:00–14:15

Opening remarks

  • Director General
    Nature Conservation and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources, German Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUV)
14:15–16:00

Harvesting restoration experiences

At its core, this digital forum is a space to explore insights from restoration projects around the world. For this session, we have invited restoration project representatives to share their experiences and lessons learned.

Through a series of presentations, we will explore key lessons from the following focus areas that are crucial to landscape restoration:

  • Capacity development
  • Monitoring impact
  • Collaboration and multi-stakeholder approaches
  • Access to markets and livelihood development

After these presentations, our panel of experts will discuss the insights shared and draw conclusions.

Project representatives

Expert panel

16:00–16:45

How policy and finance can support restoration

This session will feature a panel discussion focusing on policy advocacy and restoration funding. Building on the presentations in the previous session, the panel will discuss what is working and assess what is missing in restoration projects today.

16:45–17:00

Closing statement and announcement of the 2024 Restoration Stewards

Join us as we announce the next cohort of Restoration Stewards – youth restoration practitioners who will receive funding, mentorship and training to grow their projects next year.

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN THE DIGITAL FORUM

EXPLORE RELEVANT RESOURCES

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