Introducing Mongabay Data Studio: Impactful Tools For Environmental Action
In the ever-evolving landscape of environmental conservation, a gap persists between the wealth of data on our changing ecosystems and the actionable insights required for effective protection.
That is why we are proud to introduce Mongabay Data Studio, which bridges the divide between environmental science and action by developing impactful tools, creating insightful data journalism and connecting a network of credible partners.
“There’s been an explosion in new technologies that enable environmental storytelling from sophisticated satellites to air quality sensors to bioacoustic monitors,” said Mongabay VP of Programs & Executive Editor Willie Shubert. “But people aren’t using the data they produce because the interpretation of that information isn’t there. There is a gap in access to technology that journalism can provide. I’m most excited about building the connection between this novel evidence and environmental storytelling.”
Mongabay is an independent, nonprofit media organization reporting on nature and planetary challenges with a global network of local journalists.
Use Mongabay Data Studio
Mongabay Data Studio equips journalists, researchers, and conservationists with sophisticated yet accessible data visualization tools. By integrating environmental, social, and satellite data from reputable sources, Mongabay Data Studio makes complex information accessible and actionable.
- Engage in novel research to create scalable tools that activate and inform audiences.
- Empower journalists to integrate accurate sources of scientific data as context and evidence within their news narratives.
- Build a collaborative global network of partners and individuals to mobilize.
Launching Mongabay Data Studio
The official launch of Mongabay Data Studio on February 20, 2024, marked a significant milestone. Over 50 guests attended the event, including journalists, conservationists, technologists, and supporters from renowned organizations. Among them were The Guardian, The Conversation, and the Wildlife Conservation Society. The launch was just one day after Mongabay received the Fundación BBVA’s 2023 Biophilia Award for Environmental Communication for ‘Solutions journalism’ in the face of climate change and the biodiversity crisis.
Accessible Visualization Tools
Mongabay Data Studio introduces a suite of accessible visualization tools, pulling from world-renowned open data platforms by World Resources Institute, Trase and Vizzuality, and offers journalists ready-to-use visualizations to empower data-backed storytelling and investigation.
- Reforestation App: Compare reforestation and tree-planting projects from around the world. This directory is the ideal starting point for people wanting to learn how to support reforestation.
- Earth Atlas: Combine environmental, social, and satellite data aggregated from various reputable sources to quickly create maps that add evidence and context to articles.
- Fire Weather Almanac: Find shared stories of climate impact. Reveal and compare the annual fire cycles on land and water in the atmosphere at national and sub-national scales.
- Trade Flow Map: Agricultural commodities move globally and cause deforestation. Find, follow, and create maps of their trail with data from Trase.earth.
“The challenge is not about the volume of data; it is about how we transform this data into accessible information for policymakers, for governments, for society. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that we have the right technology and storytelling to do so,” said María Ricart, Sustainable Business Lead at Vizzuality, partner of Mongabay Data Studio.
Vizzuality is a leading design and technology agency specializing in science-based data visualization and decision-making platforms, such as Global Forest Watch, Marxan, and Trase.
Drawing upon our extensive experience designing and developing data-rich platforms, we simplified data and satellite imagery integration for journalists while collaborating with Mongabay to create a comprehensive directory highlighting successful reforestation initiatives worldwide. Prioritizing quality data with user experience resulted in a suite of publication-ready maps to ground reporting and storytelling in data.
Learn more about Vizzuality’s role in Mongabay’s mission.
Data Journalism In Action
Specializing in data journalism, Mongabay has unearthed critical environmental truths, ranging from police corruption in Indonesia to deforestation endangering chimpanzees in Nigeria. By connecting science, journalism, and technology, Mongabay crafts purposeful storytelling that catalyzes informed environmental action.
Click here to read more stories from Mongabay Data Studio.
Support Mongabay Data Studio
We are delighted to have partnered with Mongabay to bridge the divide between environmental science and action through impactful tools that enable data journalism.
The Mongabay Data Studio is an invaluable asset connecting a global network of journalists, technologists, researchers, and designers with leading environmental data platforms. The collaboration aims to gather reliable information from the world's most remote corners. As Mongabay Data Studio enters its early phase, the potential for impact is immense, making your support essential. Please consider donating and subscribing to their newsletter. In doing so you are contributing to impactful data journalism bridging the gap between environmental science and action.
This blog was written by Jacinta Hamley and adapted from Mongabay’s post written by Alejandro Prescott-Cornejo.
