Tucked at Kolokoto village, Ituri Province at the Uganda-the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border, between the rugged Mahagi Mountains in the northeast and the calm blue waters of Lake Albert to the west, Radio Terra, has helped the community it serves voice environmental grievances for redress.
Broadcasting on 95 FM and 97 FM, Terra FM has built its reputation, as an important part cog in the wheel of Environmental Defenders whose main work focuses on climate justice, conservation, and the human rights of indigenous communities in the Albertine and Congo Basin.
Thanks to advice from Terra FM experts, farmers have of recent accessed weather forecasts and information on how to adapt to climate change, which helped increase crop yield.
Desire Onencan, a listener says it is why they turned out in large numbers to celebrate with the staff of the community radio as they marked World Radio Day.
Terra FM started its activities to mark World Radio Day from February 10th to 13th, 2025. The day which is celebrated across the globe, was designated by UNESCO on November 3, 2011, during its 36th conference.
The day is meant to celebrate radio broadcast, improve international cooperation among radio broadcasters and encourage decision-makers to create and provide access to information through radio, including community radios.
Incepted in 2019, Terra FM, a subsidiary of Environmental Defenders (ED), a nonprofit conservation and human rights organisation dedicated to protecting biodiversity and indigenous people’s rights, celebrations were preceded by a plethora of activities.
ED works in the Albertine Rift regions, specifically the Murchison-Semliki, greater Virunga, and Ituri landscapes, spanning the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, within the broader sensitive Congo Basin.
The community hailed Radio Terra staff for unfolding the complexities of the Albertine Region and informing people about a range of issues, that cover health, food security, conflict management, with special focus on solutions to addressing the climate change related challenges.
The activities focused on environmental conservation practices, promotion of basic rights, and proliferation of Indigenous culture in Kolokoto, Mahagi Port and Ramogi in Mukambu in Eastern DRC.
The three-day event successfully highlighted the crucial role of radio in disseminating information and fostering community engagement on climate change and its effects.
Samuel Jaryekonga Warom, a Communications Director of Environmental Defenders in the Congo Basin told Watetezi.org that the first day of Monday, February 10th, kicked-off with three activities.
The morning (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM) was dedicated to practical environmental action, as participants collected plastic waste and conducted community sensitisation on environmental protection.
This hands-on approach emphasised the importance of individual responsibility in maintaining a healthy environment.
The afternoon (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM) saw a test of physical exercise with a 15km marathon, from Terra FM headquarters in Kolokoto to River Urii in Wagungu Kingdom.
The competition which attracted 90 runners, had women and men competing separately. It helped Terra FM team to interact with thousands of people about individual responsibility for the challenging climate change impact.
Okello Yona, who organised the marathon and acted as judge in the races, told Watetezi.org that the marathons encouraged people to do physical exercise because it’s unhealthy and dangerous to have too much fat in the body.
Okello who is also a Presenter for Kazi Ni Kazi programme on Terra FM added that they targeted overweight people, noting that being fit and agile contributes to protecting the environment.
He says being overweight directly impacts people’s health, well-being and survival. “People must be healthy to protect the environment, that is why they cleaned the river and polythene.”
Winners got a cash prize of sh120, 000, for the first runner-ups it was sh80,000m, second runner-ups received sh30,000 and the next seven people got sh20,000 each. The prizes were both for men and women’s races.
The second day on Tuesday, February 11, also focused on physical activity, but at a different location from the previous day. The morning (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM) saw participants descend on Mahagi Port Market to clean the area and educate vendors and shoppers about the negative effects of plastic pollution.
The afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM) featured a running competition at the Kolokoto playground, with separate categories for women weighing over 70kg and men above 85kg. This event combined sport with community engagement.
Here, the winner walked home with sh70, 000, those who came second got sh50, 000 and the third received sh30, 000. The rest seven got sh15,000 each, meaning the top ten in the race each received a small cash prize.
On the final day which marked the climax of the celebrations ED was joined by another association called VCCI and they continued with activities, including collecting waste in Ramogi Trading Centre from 7am-9:30am. Simultaneously, a public address system was used to educate the community about environmental conservation and the health impacts of plastic pollution.
After that activity there was a pause of some minutes. From 11am, the celebrations focused on conference oriented to the theme of the day: “Radio and Climate Change”.
What others say?
Opar Justine Oguti; Terra Station Manager: Terra is able to celebrate world radio day because it has done a great work. In 2023, they wanted to burn Terra FM and with special attention given to three journalists, whose voices had attempted to hold polluters and wrongdoers accountable. If your voice is powerful, they will fight to stifle it. Some wanted to corrupt journalists so that they stop exposing environmental depletion.
Sarah Lonyo; Journalist at Terra FM and Environmental Defenders senior programme officer: the day celebrations helped me interact with the community, helped us to collect polythene bags and do awareness on the importance of conserving the environment to control climate change.
Gloria Ayiorwoth, Director for Environmental Defenders: Terra FM has involved local leaders who were reluctant to participate in environmental programmes and are now actively involved in stopping some of the vices. After the celebrations, we are sure everything will continue normally because we have made people learn what to do.
The 2025 World Radio Day celebrations at Terra FM were a resounding success, showcasing the power of community radio in mobilizing people for climate action, environmental conservation, and social change. Through engaging activities like waste collection, community sensitization, and sporting events, the station reinforced the message that everyone has a role to play in protecting the environment.
Terra FM has proven to be more than just a radio station—it is a lifeline for communities, providing crucial information on climate change adaptation, conservation, and human rights. As an integral part of Environmental Defenders (ED), the station embodies ED’s broader mission of promoting environmental justice, biodiversity conservation, and the protection of indigenous peoples’ rights in the Albertine and Congo Basin regions.
The event also highlighted the challenges faced by environmental journalists, including threats and attempts to silence their voices. Yet, Terra FM remains steadfast in its mission, giving a platform to those advocating for environmental and social justice. The strong community support during the celebrations was a testament to the impact of its work and the trust it has built over the years.
Moving forward, Environmental Defenders and Terra FM will continue to champion climate awareness, empower communities, and hold polluters accountable. By ensuring access to critical environmental information and engaging local leaders, Terra FM is fostering a more informed, resilient, and proactive society in the fight against climate change.
To learn more about Environmental Defenders and their ongoing efforts, visit www.watetezi.org.
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