Nosy Mangabe, a lush island off Madagascar’s east coast, has a rich history of resisting pirates and traders. It’s an inspiring symbol for Mongabay, a global news outlet dedicated to covering environmental issues. Celebrating 25 years of impactful reporting, Mongabay has grown into a vital source of news, now available in twelve languages and attracting over five million readers each month.
The aye-aye lemur, native to Nosy Mangabe, embodies Mongabay’s mission. This unique creature has constantly growing teeth, alerting everyone to its presence, much like how Mongabay sheds light on environmental wrongdoings through its network of fearless journalists.
Founded by Rhett Butler as an environmental blog, Mongabay operates entirely remotely without any physical offices. Today, it consists of around 110 editorial staff and about 1,000 contributors in over 80 countries, striving to provide critical coverage, especially in places facing severe socio-environmental challenges.
Mongabay’s recent investigation, titled “Los vuelos de la muerte” (The Flights of Death), revealed 67 secret airstrips used by drug traffickers in the Peruvian Amazon. It explored the links between these operations and the violence against Indigenous leaders. Conducted by Mongabay Latam, this extensive investigation involved over 60 interviews, satellite imagery, and innovative AI tools.
Andrew Revkin, an esteemed environmental journalist, praises Mongabay for its global reach and commitment to telling stories that matter in local contexts. He highlights the outlet’s unique ability to make its stories accessible in multiple languages and its design that ensures information reaches even those with limited internet access.
The diversity of topics on Mongabay is impressive, covering issues from fossil fuels and coral reefs to human rights and wildlife conservation. The outlet consistently highlights Indigenous communities facing exploitation, shedding light on their struggles while advocating for accountability.
Mongabay publishes around a dozen major investigations each year, often linking environmental concerns with human rights issues. For instance, one investigation into labor abuses in the fishing industry uncovered a large illicit shark finning operation.
Satellites play a crucial role in Mongabay’s reporting. The organization relies heavily on platforms like Global Forest Watch to track changes in vulnerable forests, allowing journalists to investigate and report on ground-level impacts.
Over the years, Mongabay has evolved from an ad-driven model to a nonprofit, focusing more on impactful storytelling rather than clickbait. With regional bureaus established in Indonesia, India, and now expanding into Africa, Mongabay aims to reach diverse audiences across different platforms.
In Africa, Mongabay is making strides, forging partnerships with local media and focusing on multilingual reporting. Investigations have revealed serious environmental violations tied to mining and logging activities, drawing attention to corporate accountability.
Looking ahead, Mongabay plans to enhance its investigative capacity through improved data access and collaboration. This includes engaging with communities most affected by environmental issues and reaching out via platforms popular among those audiences.
As Mongabay continues to grow, its mission remains clear: to report on environmental challenges and empower local communities by amplifying their voices. The hope is to support local journalism and ultimately work towards a healthier planet.
