DW Akademie in Ecuador

Deforestation of the rainforest, oil pollution and giant dam projects are threatening the environment and livelihoods in Ecuador, one of the eight countries in the Amazon basin. Maximizing short-term profits is set against the long-term needs of the local population. DW Akademie's regional approach strengthens the right to freedom of expression and access to information for disadvantaged groups. The projects focus on local actors such as journalists and community media plus environmental and human rights activists. Few have adequate networks to develop information strategies for battling nationwide problems such as climate change and the overexploitation of natural resources.   

In Ecuador, exclusion and discrimination of large sections of society are the root of social and political conflicts. Indigenous peoples are hardly represented in private media. As a result, community media play a decisive role, acting as the mouthpiece for groups affected and fulfilling a necessary, democratic function. These days, community media reach their audiences not just via radio. The outlets are digitally equipped, operate their own websites and reach their listeners though various channels, including social media platforms.   

Our activities

In Ecuador, DW Akademie focuses on strengthening the community media sector and on promoting collaborative productions through media networks. Our local project partner is CORAPE, a media network that coordinates 36 community stations nationwide. The stations co-produce programs on relevant topics and can this way reach a wider audience. For the news format "Amazonía en Contacto", for example, Ecuadorian community media in the Amazon region jointly produce weekly radio reports on topics such as the careful use of environmental resources, cultural diversity and regional conflicts.

Local partners also receive journalism training that is not only reserved for journalists and media producers but for activists and representatives of indigenous groups as well. DW Akademie also creates forums that promote social dialogue on human rights, media, freedom of speech and press freedom.   

As part of DW Akademie's Amazon Basin regional project, CORAPE contributes to the building of an alliance of journalists, environmentalists, community media and civil society organizations.

Funding: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

Project Manager: Magnus Kossmann

Locations: Quito and rural communities in Ecuador  

Local Partners: Coordinadora de Medios Comunitarios, Populares y Educativos de Ecuador (CORAPE)

Focus: Civic participation, collaborative journalism, environment and human rights, participation of disadvantaged groups, journalism training