Frontrunner Sri Lanka: Empowering young voices for environmental change

In a world where environmental crises demand immediate action, the Frontrunner Sri Lanka initiative is cultivating a new generation of Green Journalists—young individuals equipped with the power of storytelling to tackle the nation’s most pressing ecological issues, said a release.

Through its first-ever Green Journalism Reporting Competition, aspiring environmental reporters delved into topics such as pollution, biodiversity loss, and conservation efforts in Sri Lanka. Their investigative stories didn’t merely exist as words on a page; they were compiled into a published book, mass-distributed to raise awareness and inspire action across communities. This initiative, backed by organizations like GNF, Living Lakes, IKI and EMACE, gave participants hands-on training, field visits, and immersive school programs to deepen their understanding of environmental challenges and hone their reporting skills.

These young journalists didn’t just report on environmental issues—they lived them. Through interactive learning experiences and direct involvement in field projects, they transformed their observations into impactful stories, uncovering truths and advocating for solutions.

Young journalists sharpening their skills in real-world training sessions

But the true success of Frontrunner Sri Lanka lies not just in the book or the competition—it’s in the ripple effect it has caused. The students now see themselves as changemakers and advocates engaging with their communities and questioning environmental negligence. This program has sparked a movement, inspiring a wave of young storytellers and advocates dedicated to altering the narrative on climate change and conservation.

Moments that defined the journey include real-world training sessions, community advocacy training, school programs that ignited curiosity about the environment, and community engagement where youth voices were heard by decision-makers. With this initiative, Frontrunner Sri Lanka is shaping the voices of tomorrow’s environmental leaders, and these young changemakers are just getting started.