This project consists of three cross-border stories, each of which was conducted by journalists from two different countries. The stories investigate the unique ways in which environmental activists resist business interests, nationalist politicians, and cross-border complexities.
The PL-DE team investigated the campaign to reduce pollution in the Oder River. Meanwhile, the SR-BiH tandem investigated the campaign to regulate lithium mining in the Majevica mountain region, which lies along the SR-BiH border. The DE-GR-USA trio examined the biodiversity conservation movement in the Prespa Lakes region.
An integral part of their method was that journalists from different countries met one another on location and worked together there, as well as later when writing. They considered it crucial to speak with the people involved in order to gain a thorough understanding of their operations. They sought more detailed information than journalists normally do in order to reveal how these cross-border projects work.
Key findings:
- Despite language, border and approach differences, environmental activists worked together much better than their national states did.
- The activists learned from one another and used this information to their advantage.
- Environmental concerns took precedence over nationalist issues, forging bonds between the activists.
Image by Slave Nakev/MES. AThese are activists from the three organisations in the PrespaNet network that participate in the Greater Prespa Lake project, from Greece, North Macedonia and Albania. 13-9-2023.
