The United States Agency for International Development through its PNG Lukautim Graun Program (USAID LGP) is working to protect Papua New Guinea’s rich biodiversity with the awarding of small grants to non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These funds will reduce threats to biodiversity, strengthen traditional landowner’s rights, and promote women’s economic empowerment. Madang based Non-Government Organisation, Mas Kagin Tapani Association (MAKATA), is among the recipients of these small grants involved in empowering local communities to protect species of critically endangered leatherback sea turtles that share their coastal regions. With grant support from USAID LGP, MAKATA conducted community journalism training at Alexishafen, Sumkar district, Madang province, to equip coastal communities with skills and tools to create impact news content that depicts the protection of these turtles and other marine species. Over a two-week period, 32 participants were taught basic content production techniques with hands-on demonstration on the use of the camera to capture still photos and video footage using android phones. The training also delved into the role of traditional media in citizen engagement, offering insights into strategies that increase audience involvement. The participants were also trained to engage policymakers, corporate entities, NGOs, donors, and other stakeholders with their content. With a focus on environmental stewardship, the program aims to ignite voices from local communities, community-based organizations, civil society organizations, churches, and schools. After the training, graduates received certificates recognizing their newly acquired skills and their contribution to positive transformations in their respective communities. Participant, Venantius Barrier, from Murukanam, Ward three, Sumgilbar local level government said, “The training has equipped me with skills to create news stories on my community’s involvement in protecting endangered species, especially the leatherback turtles.” “Thank you MAKATA, and thank you USAID, for funding this training.” Another participant, Miriam Nanek, from Karkar in the Sumkar Local Level Government also shared similar sentiments. She stated, “The information on establishing community-based organization and civil society organization is vital to me.” “I hope to share these with my community and take that approach to form our own CBO to carry out awareness on the protection of endangered species.” “Thank you, USAID, for making this training possible.”