Deadline: 01-May-2026

Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering Biodiversity Story Grants to support journalists producing in-depth reporting on the global biodiversity crisis. The program will award 5–10 grants, typically between EUR 1,000 and EUR 2,000, for stories focused on low- and middle-income countries, with final stories expected to be published by December 1, 2026.

What are the Biodiversity Story Grants?

The Biodiversity Story Grants are a journalism funding opportunity from Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN).

The grants support ambitious, in-depth reporting on biodiversity issues that are often underreported, despite growing global concern over ecosystem degradation, species loss, and the wider environmental crisis.

The program is designed to help journalists produce stories that not only document biodiversity threats but also explore solutions, accountability, policy gaps, and community-led responses.

What is the Purpose of the Grants?

The grant aims to strengthen media coverage of biodiversity by supporting:

• In-depth environmental journalism
• Reporting on the global biodiversity crisis
• Stories that highlight both threats and solutions
• Public understanding of biodiversity, conservation, and ecosystem loss
• Innovative and accessible storytelling across different media formats

Why This Matters

Biodiversity loss remains one of the world’s most urgent but underreported issues.

This program matters because it encourages reporting that can:

• Increase public awareness
• Improve policy conversations
• Spotlight local and global conservation efforts
• Expose harmful practices or ineffective interventions
• Connect biodiversity with climate, food systems, health, and livelihoods

Key Reporting Themes

Applicants should propose stories related to the global biodiversity crisis, especially in low- or middle-income countries.

Priority Topics Include

• Other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) as alternatives to protected areas
• Business dependencies and impacts on nature
• Collaborative conservation involving communities, governments, and private sector actors
• Nature-based solutions linked to biodiversity, climate, food security, and health
• Unintended harmful effects of conservation measures
• Connections between biodiversity and health
• Differences in conservation approaches between the Global North and Global South

Who Can Apply?

The grants are open to:

• Journalists
• Media practitioners

Applicants can work in:

• Print
• Online / digital media
• Television
• Radio

Both of the following are welcome:

• Early-career reporters
• Experienced journalists

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should:

• Propose a story focused on low- or middle-income countries
• Preferably cover biodiversity-rich regions or places facing major biodiversity loss
• Show strong potential for impactful and widely accessible reporting
• Submit a clear and realistic story proposal
• Provide a commitment from a media outlet to publish the final story

Funding and Support

Selected applicants will receive:

• Grant funding
• Mentorship from experienced professionals during the reporting process

Grant Size

• Number of grants expected: 5–10
• Typical grant budget: EUR 1,000 to EUR 2,000

Publication Deadline

Supported stories are expected to be published by December 1, 2026.

What Types of Stories Are Encouraged?

EJN is looking for innovative and high-impact journalism.

Preferred Storytelling Approaches

Applicants are encouraged to use:

• Multimedia storytelling
• Investigative reporting
• Cross-border collaboration
• Data journalism
• Geojournalism

This means the program is especially suitable for journalists who want to go beyond standard reporting and produce stories with strong evidence, visual depth, and public value.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a detailed story proposal.

What to Include in the Application

Your proposal should clearly explain:

1. Story angle
   • What exactly will the story investigate or highlight?
2. Relevance
   • Why does this biodiversity issue matter now?
3. Expected impact
   • What audience, awareness, or policy effect could the story have?
4. Realistic budget
   • How will the grant funds be used?
5. Publishing commitment
   • Include confirmation from a media outlet that will publish the final story
6. Tool transparency
   • Disclose any tools used in the reporting process, including generative AI

What Makes a Strong Application?

Strong applications usually include:

• A specific and original story idea
• Clear relevance to the biodiversity crisis
• A strong focus on a low- or middle-income country
• A practical reporting plan
• A realistic budget within the expected grant range
• A credible publication pathway
• A clear explanation of why the story will matter to audiences

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting a broad or vague story pitch
• Failing to show a strong biodiversity angle
• Ignoring the requirement for a publishing commitment
• Proposing an unrealistic budget
• Not explaining expected impact
• Forgetting to disclose use of generative AI or other tools

Quick Facts

• Program: Biodiversity Story Grants
• Organizer: Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN)
• Purpose: Support in-depth biodiversity reporting
• Who Can Apply: Journalists and media practitioners
• Formats: Print, online, TV, radio
• Experience Level: Early-career and experienced reporters
• Geographic Focus: Low- and middle-income countries
• Number of Grants: 5–10
• Grant Amount: Usually EUR 1,000–2,000
• Extra Support: Mentorship
• Story Deadline: Must be published by December 1, 2026

FAQs

1. What are the Biodiversity Story Grants?

They are reporting grants from Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) that support in-depth journalism on biodiversity and conservation issues.

2. How much funding is available?

EJN expects to award 5–10 grants, with typical budgets ranging from EUR 1,000 to EUR 2,000.

3. Who can apply?

The grants are open to journalists and media practitioners working in print, online, TV, or radio, including both early-career and experienced applicants.

4. What kind of stories are eligible?

Stories should focus on the global biodiversity crisis, especially in low- or middle-income countries, and should ideally be relevant to regions with high biodiversity value or significant biodiversity loss.

5. Is a publishing commitment required?

Yes. Applicants must provide a commitment from a media outlet to publish the final story.

6. Does EJN provide support beyond funding?

Yes. Selected grantees will also receive mentorship from experienced professionals during the reporting process.

7. Is disclosure of AI tools required?

Yes. Applicants must be transparent about the use of generative AI or any other tools as part of the application process.

Conclusion

The Biodiversity Story Grants 2026 from Internews’ Earth Journalism Network are a strong opportunity for journalists who want to produce high-impact, in-depth biodiversity reporting. With funding, mentorship, and support for innovative storytelling, the program is ideal for reporters covering urgent conservation issues in low- and middle-income countries.

For more information, visit EJN.