current projects

  • Assessing the environment in post-conflict zones: a collaboration with the UNEP Post Conflict Assessment Group to evaluate the environmental effects of conflict in Sudan
  • The Lusaka Taskforce: development of four half hour programs for BBC World, plus an international televised expert debate to discuss how regional networking can stop wildlife poachers in Africa and provide a model of best practices for other regions
  • Eco-Enforcers: a multi-part series on unsung environmental heroes in the Philippines, Argentina, Kenya and other locations who are placing their lives on the line to protect their communities and their natural environment

The Institute also is exploring collaboration with UNEP to cover environmental issues in Afghanistan; with the Basel Convention on Hazardous Wastes; and with a range of other partner organizations.

Film & television to help raise public awareness

The Institute’s Media Program is using film, television and new media to help raise public awareness about the challenges of sustainable development and the role of governance in addressing them.

The Institute seeks to:

  • Use film, television and other media to raise public awareness about the most pressing environmental problems facing humanity
  • Empower and assist unsung environmental heroes through support with media coverage of their efforts
  • Share skills and build the capacity of environmentalists, journalists and media in developing countries
  • Collaborate with and support partners with knowledge, expertise and contacts on issues relating to the environment and the media

High-quality content

The Institute has the capacity to develop creative, high-quality and environmentally important media-content and brings to environmental media:

  • Staff with extensive experience, including a film-maker with over 15 years making documentaries and films for The Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel, PBS and other major distributors;
  • Leading experts in international environmental issues and policies, including advisors to major international environmental organizations and the authors of leading texts on environmental law and policy;
  • A presence in Washington DC, Geneva and Southern California and links to international partners in the film, television and information technology industries;
  • Extensive links with other leading non-governmental, governmental and international organizations in the field of environment and sustainable development.

For more information, please contact the Director of the Media Program, Douglas Varchol, on douglas@igsd.org.