Cross-Border Journalism Strengthens Understanding of Just Transition

From Coal Region to Transformation Model

Once a symbol of Europe’s industrial and coal-mining power, the Ruhr region today represents one of Europe’s best-known examples of long-term economic, social and environmental transformation following the transition away from coal mining. During the five-day visit, participants explored how former industrial areas have been repurposed into spaces for sustainable urban development, culture, public life and new economic activities.

The programme included visits to Zeche Zollern in Dortmund, Landschaftspark Duisburg Nord, Bernepark and the Freiheit Emscher redevelopment project. Through guided tours and discussions with experts, participants observed different dimensions of transformation – from preserving industrial heritage and educating future generations about the region’s history to converting former industrial land into green public spaces and large-scale urban development projects. These examples illustrated how former coal and industrial areas can be transformed into assets that benefit both local communities and the environment.

Participants observed how environmental restoration, economic diversification and long-term planning can support climate action while improving air quality and quality of life for local communities. The visit also highlighted that successful transition requires the active involvement of local stakeholders and a clear vision for the future of former coal regions.

Lessons for the Western Balkans

Particular attention was given to how experiences from the Ruhr region could inspire coal-dependent communities such as Breza in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Obiliq in Kosovo, which continue to face challenges related to energy transition. Through discussions with experts and local stakeholders, participants gained a deeper understanding of how former mining areas can be transformed into places that offer new economic opportunities while preserving local identity and improving living conditions.

“Phase-out of coal does not just mean closing the mines, but completely reinventing the region. I liked how the Ruhr area creates economic opportunities through art, culture and innovative urban development. This creates new places with a high quality of life for the population.”

Participant Sara Delić from Sarajevo

Strengthening Climate Journalism and Regional Exchange

Alongside the site visits, the programme included workshops on climate journalism, group exercises and a screening of the documentary film Vom Ende eines Zeitalters (“The End of an Era”), followed by discussions with filmmakers and artists about the social dimensions of coal phase-out and regional transformation.

The study visit provided participants with an opportunity to exchange experiences on reporting about climate change and energy transition in different media and social contexts. Particular focus was placed on the role of journalism in communicating complex transition processes to the public and developing stories that highlight concrete solutions and long-term perspectives.

Developing Joint Cross-Border Stories

The study visit marked the beginning of the one-year Green Journalism Scholarship Programme implemented by Germanwatch, Balkan Green Foundation and CENER 21. In the coming months, participants will work in international teams to develop and publish joint cross-border stories focused on just transition, sustainable development and climate policies in coal regions.

By connecting young journalists from Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, the programme aims to strengthen independent, evidence-based and solution-oriented climate journalism while encouraging regional cooperation and greater public understanding of transition pathways in the Western Balkans and beyond.