Deadline: 14-Jun-2026
The Earth Journalism Network Mekong Story Grants support journalists in producing in-depth reporting on water governance, transboundary river issues, and community experiences in the Mekong region. The program emphasizes Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI), investigative storytelling, and innovative data-driven reporting formats.
Selected applicants receive up to USD 2,000 plus mentorship to produce impactful stories addressing water access, policy gaps, and environmental challenges across the Mekong basin.
Program Overview
The Mekong Story Grants, supported by the Earth Journalism Network (EJN) and Oxfam, aim to strengthen environmental journalism focused on water governance in the Mekong River region.
The program prioritizes stories that highlight:
- Community water access and equity
- Transboundary water governance issues
- Climate-related flood and drought risks
- Environmental protection of river systems
- Policy impacts on vulnerable populations
A strong emphasis is placed on lived experiences of communities directly dependent on the Mekong River.
Key Reporting Themes
Water Governance and Policy
- Transboundary water agreements and disputes
- River basin management and governance frameworks
- Policy gaps affecting water access
Community and Social Impact
- Local water access challenges
- Community-led water management systems
- Impact of water insecurity on livelihoods
Climate and Environmental Risk
- Flood and drought risk mitigation
- Watershed protection and river ecosystem health
- Climate adaptation in river communities
Equity and Inclusion (GESI Focus)
- Gender equity in water access and governance
- Inclusion of youth and Indigenous communities
- Marginalized populations and environmental justice
Storytelling Approaches Encouraged
Applicants are encouraged to use advanced and innovative journalism methods such as:
- Satellite data and remote sensing
- GIS mapping and spatial analysis
- Data visualization and interactive reporting
- Photojournalism and video storytelling
- Investigative and cross-border reporting
- Collaborative journalism teams
Funding Details
- Number of grants: Up to 13 stories
- Maximum funding: USD 2,000 per story
- Funding period: July 2026 onward
- Publication deadline: 31 December 2026
Additional support:
- One-on-one mentorship
- Guidance from EJN environmental and GESI experts
- Editorial and reporting support during production
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Freelance journalists
- Staff reporters
- Early-career journalists
- Environmental journalists
- Media professionals (print, digital, radio, TV)
- Journalism teams (with a designated lead applicant)
Requirements:
- Application must be in English
- Must demonstrate editorial or publication commitment
- Must disclose use of generative AI tools in application
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Detailed story proposal
- Budget breakdown
- Two relevant published work samples (preferably after May 2025)
- Signed editor support letter confirming publication commitment
- Disclosure of AI tool usage (if applicable)
Why This Program Matters
This grant strengthens environmental journalism in one of the world’s most critical river basins by:
- Increasing visibility of underreported water governance issues
- Amplifying voices of marginalized communities
- Supporting data-driven environmental reporting
- Encouraging cross-border investigative journalism
- Improving public understanding of climate-water linkages
How It Works / Application Process
- Develop a story idea focused on Mekong water governance
- Integrate Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) elements
- Select storytelling format (data, multimedia, investigative, etc.)
- Prepare budget and reporting plan
- Submit application with work samples and editorial support letter
- Applications are reviewed for impact and feasibility
- Selected journalists receive funding and mentorship
- Stories must be published by 31 December 2026
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Relevance to Mekong water governance issues
- Originality and investigative depth
- Impact potential on audiences and policy
- Use of innovative storytelling methods
- Inclusion of marginalized communities
- Feasibility and clarity of execution plan
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak or missing GESI integration
- Lack of clear editorial support letter
- Vague or overly broad story topics
- No defined publication plan
- Ignoring cross-border or regional relevance
- Poorly structured budget or timeline
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the grant amount?
Up to USD 2,000 per selected story.
2. Who can apply?
Journalists including freelancers, staff reporters, and teams working in the Mekong region.
3. Is team reporting allowed?
Yes, but one lead applicant must be designated.
4. What topics are prioritized?
Water governance, transboundary river issues, and community impacts in the Mekong basin.
5. Is multimedia storytelling allowed?
Yes. Data journalism, GIS, video, photography, and cross-border reporting are encouraged.
6. Is publication required?
Yes, stories must be published by 31 December 2026.
7. Is AI usage allowed in applications?
Yes, but it must be transparently disclosed.
Conclusion
The EJN Mekong Story Grants support high-impact environmental journalism focused on water governance and community resilience in the Mekong region. By combining financial support with mentorship and innovative storytelling tools, the program enables journalists to produce data-driven, inclusive, and policy-relevant reporting that highlights critical environmental and social challenges.
For more information, visit Earth Journalism Network.
