Deadline: 22-Apr-2026
The Ocean Connection Call for Proposals, led by the Boticário Group Foundation in cooperation with UNESCO, is inviting journalists to apply for grants to produce high-quality reporting on climate adaptation and ocean conservation in coastal cities. Up to five projects will be selected, with each receiving R$ 10,000, and the opportunity is open to journalists submitting proposals for print, TV, radio, or digital media, with a submission deadline of April 22.
Overview
The Ocean Connection Call for Proposals supports journalists developing impactful stories on the connection between climate adaptation, coastal resilience, and ocean conservation in urban coastal areas.
The initiative aims to encourage strong public-interest journalism that raises awareness about how natural ecosystems can be integrated into urban planning to reduce climate risks and improve quality of life in coastal cities.
It is led by the Boticário Group Foundation in cooperation with UNESCO.
Focus Areas
The call is looking for journalistic proposals related to:
- Climate adaptation in coastal cities
- Ocean conservation
- Reintegration of natural ecosystems into urban infrastructure
- Conservation and restoration of ecosystems such as:
- Coastal sand dunes
- Salt marshes
- Mangroves
- Coral reefs
- Nature-based solutions to address:
- Floods
- Inundations
- Landslides
- Sea level rise
- Coastal resilience
- Improved quality of life in coastal communities
- Public awareness and engagement on ocean conservation
- The role of ecosystems in strengthening:
- Biodiversity
- Public health
- Social well-being
What the Programme Supports
The programme supports reporting projects or journalistic series that explore how ecosystems and nature-based approaches can help coastal cities respond to environmental and climate challenges.
Submissions may be developed for:
Funding Information
Number of Grants
- Up to 5 projects will be selected
Grant Amount
Each selected project will receive:
- R$ 10,000
Publication Requirement
All selected reports are expected to be:
- Published by the end of November of the same year
This means applicants should propose projects that are realistic, timely, and feasible within the publication timeline.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to journalists from across the country.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be:
- Professionals with a degree in journalism, or
- Professionals with at least 2 years of proven journalistic experience
Submission Format
Proposals may be submitted:
- Individually, or
- In pairs
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Creativity
- Relevance of the topic
- Quality of the reporting plan
- Previous journalistic work
- Reach of the publishing platform
Deadline
- Submission deadline: April 22
What Makes a Strong Proposal?
A strong proposal should clearly show:
- A compelling angle on climate adaptation and ocean conservation
- Clear relevance to coastal cities
- Strong public-interest value
- A realistic reporting plan and timeline
- Clear potential for audience engagement
- Strong evidence of journalistic quality
- A credible publication or distribution platform
Application Tips
- Focus on nature-based solutions
The call strongly values stories showing how ecosystems help reduce climate risks. - Choose a coastal city angle
Make sure your proposal is clearly tied to coastal urban resilience. - Show social impact
Highlight how your story connects to:- Community safety
- Public health
- Biodiversity
- Quality of life
- Present a clear reporting plan
Explain:- Story format
- Reporting locations
- Sources/interviews
- Timeline to publication
- Demonstrate platform reach
Since reach is part of selection, mention where and how the work will be published.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common issues:
- Submitting a broad climate story without a clear coastal city focus
- Ignoring the role of natural ecosystems or nature-based solutions
- Proposing a project that cannot be completed before end-November publication
- Failing to show journalistic experience or platform credibility
- Submitting a weak or vague reporting plan
- Overlooking the April 22 deadline
FAQ
1. What is the Ocean Connection Call for Proposals?
It is a journalism grant opportunity supporting reporting on climate adaptation and ocean conservation in coastal cities.
2. Who is organizing the programme?
The initiative is led by the Boticário Group Foundation in cooperation with UNESCO.
3. How many projects will be funded?
- Up to 5 projects
4. How much funding does each selected project receive?
- R$ 10,000 per project
5. Who can apply?
Eligible applicants are:
- Journalists with a journalism degree, or
- Those with at least 2 years of proven journalistic experience
6. Can proposals be submitted by two people?
Yes.
- Proposals may be submitted individually or in pairs
7. What types of media are accepted?
Projects may be developed for:
- Television
- Radio
- Digital media
8. What is the application deadline?
- April 22
Conclusion
The Ocean Connection Call for Proposals 2026 is a valuable opportunity for journalists interested in producing impactful stories on coastal resilience, climate adaptation, and ocean conservation.
With up to five grants of R$ 10,000, support from the Boticário Group Foundation and UNESCO, and a strong focus on nature-based solutions in coastal cities, this call is especially relevant for journalists who can turn complex environmental issues into compelling public-interest reporting.
For more information, visit Boticário Group Foundation.
