Re-Imagining Africa’s Conservation Story
We design and deliver strategies for Africa’s conservation organisations to tell compelling stories of their work to the people who matter most, primarily through the news media. For journalists, we act as a bridge to stories and contacts from dozens of conservation, environment, and climate leaders and organisations operating on the continent.
OUR SERVICES
At Plantwood, we use our specialist knowledge of the news media to deliver powerful communications that effectively showcase your conservation and environment innovations, successes, and value
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We specialise in advising conservation organisations on how to effectively use media to communicate their work. We work with clients to develop media strategies, campaigns, and story angles to secure favourable coverage in the most appropriate media outlets. Our team works with clients to refine their key messages and pitch reporters what they need. We also plan and implement media press trips to help increase understanding of our clients' work, boost credibility, build interest in the organisation, and raise funds. Our goal is to help our clients develop an effective media strategy that effectively communicates their message to key audiences
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We help organisations identify the appropriate media-facing individuals and provide training on how to effectively engage with the media. Our media training prepares spokespeople to anticipate reporter behaviour, avoid common media "traps," and confidently focus on their key messages during interviews or other media engagements. Our team of experts understand the importance of preparing clients to effectively communicate their message in high-pressure media situations, and we work tirelessly to ensure that our clients are well-equipped to handle any media engagement they may face
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We work with organisations to develop effective communication strategies that help them understand how they're communicating currently, where they want to be, and how to get there. We collaborate with clients to research and identify key audiences, develop objectives and key messages for each audience, and design an approach to reach them with the most effective message. Our team of experts helps organisations map out a way forward with a well-planned communications strategy that aligns with their goals and objectives
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We conceive, plan, produce, and distribute content that helps organisations reach their overall goals. We evaluate all stakeholders involved and tailor the written content to appeal to them. Our content development process involves strategy and conceptualisation, writing, editing, publishing, and evaluating the impact on readers. Our team of experts understands the importance of producing content that resonates with stakeholders and drives engagement, and we work tirelessly to ensure that the content we develop aligns with our clients' goals and objectives
OUR CLIENTS
MEET OUR TEAM
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Mike founded Plantwood Communications in 2018 after a decade as Africa Correspondent for Britain's Daily Telegraph. He is a former chair of the International Press Association of East Africa and has reported from and worked in more than 20 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Mike believes successfully engaging news media is the most effective way for conservation organisations to win the broad support they need. He draws on his long journalism experience and extensive network to help his clients do this.
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Kevin Mwanza is a communications and media specialist with over 12 years of experience working for international NGOs and news agencies and newspapers, including Reuters and Aljazeera. A Kenyan, living in Nairobi, Kevin has experience formulating, developing and implementing communications, digital, and media strategies. He has worked in diverse environments, in more than a dozen countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
OUR CLIENTS IN THE MEDIA
WASHINGTON POST: South African city copes with climate change by chopping down trees
AL JAZEERA: Lake Tanganyika fishers fight for their future amid declining catches
BBC: Kenya Maasai Olympics: Hundreds gather for lion hunt alternative
NATION (KENYA): Pastoral women leading land restoration efforts
EL PAIS (SPAIN): Los aguacates amenazan a los elefantes en Kenia
AWOKO (SIERRA LEONE): Sierra Leone faces alarming threat to freshwater fish species, WWF report warns
THE STAR (KENYA): Scramble for land hurts climate change adaption in the Amboseli ecosystem
FINANCIAL TIMES: ‘It’s skyrocketing’: surge in human-wildlife conflict threatens Kenya’s elephants
NATION (KENYA): Op Ed: Ranger welfare key to better conservation outcomes
PRIME TV (ZAMBIA): Government partners with NGO for sustainable fisheries programme
CHRONICLE (ZIMBABWE): Op Ed: Young Zimbabweans hold the key to our environmental future
ABC NEWS: Humans and elephants increasingly compete for food and space in parts of Africa
NTV TONIGHT (KENYA): Farmers in Mt. Kenya adapt to climate crisis with sustainable practices
THE ECONOMIST: Can shooting some elephants save many others?
CARTE BLANCHE (SOUTH AFRICA): Trees vs Fynbos
THE INDEPENDENT (UGANDA): Unlocking Pian Upe wildlife reserve
DOMINGOS (MOZAMBIQUE): Comunidades envolvidas na preservação do monte Mabu
THE GUARDIAN (UK): Debt for dolphins: Seychelles creates marine parks in world-first finance scheme
We work with global, regional, and local organisations and can design a strategy for you no matter what your size is or what your requirements are. We focus on helping you broadcast your message to media audiences both in the countries where you operate and further afield. We can also work with you to develop communication strategies, provide media training, advise on media or communications risks, and guide on your social media strategy.
To find out more please click Contact Us or write to mike.pflanz@plantwoodcommunications.com and we will be happy to help. You can also send us a WhatsApp message on +254 735 446226.