Applications Open for Virtual Media Workshop on Forest Governance

The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) Forest Governance Media Workshop is a two-day virtual training programme designed to strengthen journalists’ skills in reporting on forest governance, sustainable forest management, and environmental issues. The workshop focuses on forest governance challenges in Ghana, Liberia, Cameroon, and global forest risk commodity markets in Europe and Asia.

The training provides journalists with knowledge of international forest policies, investigative reporting methods, data-driven journalism tools, and cross-border reporting approaches. Eligible participants include journalists from African countries and forest commodity consumer markets, with special encouragement for women, Indigenous, rural, underrepresented, and early-career journalists.

Overview of the Earth Journalism Network Forest Governance Media Workshop

The Forest Governance Media Initiative (FGMI), hosted by the Earth Journalism Network (EJN), is organizing a two-day virtual media workshop to improve journalism on forest governance and sustainable forest management.

The workshop aims to help journalists:

• Understand global forest governance issues
• Improve environmental reporting skills
• Investigate forest-related challenges
• Report on policies affecting forests and communities
• Connect with other environmental journalists worldwide

The initiative is funded by UK International Development and focuses on strengthening media coverage of forest governance issues.

Purpose of the Workshop

The workshop is designed to support journalists reporting on:

• Forest conservation
• Sustainable forest management
• Climate policies
• Biodiversity protection
• Natural resource governance

Participants will gain practical knowledge to produce accurate, impactful, and evidence-based stories on forest issues.

Key Learning Areas

The workshop will cover important topics related to forest governance, environmental policy, and investigative journalism.

Global Forest Commitments and Policies

Participants will learn about major international frameworks, including:

• Global Forest Commitments 2030
• European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
• REDD+ initiatives
• Global Biodiversity Framework

These frameworks help journalists understand how international policies influence forest protection and resource management.

Forest Governance in Africa and Global Markets

The workshop will explore forest governance challenges connected to:

• Ghana’s forest sector
• Liberia’s forest management systems
• Cameroon’s forest governance
• Forest commodity markets in Europe and Asia

Participants will examine how global trade and consumption patterns affect forests and local communities.

Investigative Journalism Techniques

The training will provide skills for investigating:

• Governance failures
• Illegal logging activities
• Environmental violations
• Corporate and policy impacts

Journalists will learn approaches for gathering evidence and producing accountability-focused reporting.

Data-Driven and Cross-Border Reporting

Participants will receive guidance on:

• Using data in environmental reporting
• Data visualization techniques
• Working with international sources
• Developing cross-border investigations

These skills will help journalists report complex forest issues more effectively.

Workshop Themes

The sessions will focus on several key forest governance topics.

Community Forestry

Participants will explore:

• Local forest management systems
• Community rights
• Indigenous and local knowledge

Illegal Logging

Topics include:

• Causes of illegal logging
• Monitoring approaches
• Governance challenges

Mining and Forest Impacts

The workshop will examine:

• Mining-related forest loss
• Resource extraction impacts
• Environmental accountability

Cocoa Production and Forest Protection

Participants will learn about:

• Cocoa supply chains
• Deforestation risks
• Sustainable agriculture practices

FLEGT Licensing

The training will cover:

• Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT)
• Timber governance systems
• International forest trade regulations

International Trade Policies

Journalists will explore:

• How consumer markets influence forest governance
• The role of Europe and Asia in forest commodity supply chains

Workshop Format and Schedule

The programme will be delivered online through a virtual learning format.

Duration

• Two days of training

Training Hours

• Four hours of training per day

Language

• English

Training Methods

Sessions will include:

• Expert presentations
• Interactive discussions
• Case studies
• Group activities
• Data visualization guidance

Who Is Eligible for the Forest Governance Media Workshop?

The workshop is open to journalists who meet the professional and language requirements.

Eligible Participants

Applicants may include:

• Professional journalists
• Environmental reporters
• Media professionals covering natural resources
• Investigative journalists

Geographic Eligibility

Applications are open to:

African Journalists

Journalists from any African country can apply.

Preference will be given to applicants from:

• Ghana
• Liberia
• Cameroon

Journalists From Consumer Markets

Journalists working in forest risk commodity consumer markets in:

• European Union countries
• United Kingdom
• China
• India

are also encouraged to apply.

Professional Requirements

Applicants should have:

• Professional journalism experience
• Interest in forest governance reporting
• Ability to participate in English-language training

Priority Groups Encouraged to Apply

The programme particularly encourages applications from:

• Women journalists
• Rural journalists
• Indigenous community journalists
• Journalists from underrepresented communities
• Early-career journalists

Support for Internet Accessibility

A limited number of communications stipends are available for participants who:

• Live in remote areas
• Have unstable internet connections
• Face difficulties accessing online training

These stipends aim to improve participation from journalists working in underserved locations.

Why This Workshop Matters

Forest governance issues are connected to:

• Climate change
• Biodiversity loss
• Indigenous rights
• Sustainable development
• Global supply chains

Strong journalism plays an important role in:

• Increasing public awareness
• Holding institutions accountable
• Amplifying community voices
• Improving transparency in environmental governance

The workshop helps journalists produce more informed reporting on complex forest-related issues.

How to Apply for the Workshop

Applicants should follow these general steps:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should check:

• Journalism experience
• Geographic eligibility
• English language ability
• Availability for two-day virtual training

Step 2: Prepare Application Information

Applicants should highlight:

• Professional background
• Reporting experience
• Interest in forest governance issues
• Previous environmental journalism work

Step 3: Submit Application Online

Applicants must complete the official application process before the deadline.

Applications should demonstrate:

• Commitment to environmental reporting
• Interest in forest governance
• Ability to contribute to workshop discussions

Step 4: Selection Process

Participants will be selected based on:

• Journalism experience
• Relevance of professional interests
• Diversity considerations
• Potential impact of participation

Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid

1. Providing Limited Journalism Experience Details

Applicants should clearly explain:

• Previous reporting work
• Published stories
• Relevant environmental coverage

2. Not Connecting Experience With Forest Issues

Applicants should describe:

• Interest in forest governance
• Environmental reporting goals
• Relevant professional activities

3. Ignoring Technical Requirements

Applicants should confirm:

• Internet availability
• English communication ability
• Ability to attend all sessions

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their application by:

• Highlighting investigative reporting experience
• Sharing examples of environmental stories
• Explaining interest in forest governance
• Demonstrating commitment to public-interest journalism

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Earth Journalism Network Forest Governance Media Workshop?

It is a two-day virtual training programme that helps journalists improve reporting on forest governance, sustainable forest management, and environmental policy issues.

Who organizes the workshop?

The workshop is hosted by the Earth Journalism Network through the Forest Governance Media Initiative (FGMI).

Who can apply for the workshop?

Professional journalists from African countries and journalists from forest commodity consumer markets in Europe and Asia can apply.

Is the workshop conducted online?

Yes. The workshop is conducted virtually over two days.

What topics will journalists learn about?

Topics include forest governance, illegal logging, mining impacts, cocoa production, FLEGT licensing, REDD+, biodiversity frameworks, investigative reporting, and data journalism.

Is there financial support available?

A limited number of communications stipends are available for participants facing internet access challenges in remote areas.

Is the workshop open to early-career journalists?

Yes. Early-career journalists, women journalists, and journalists from underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply.

Conclusion

The Earth Journalism Network Forest Governance Media Workshop provides journalists with valuable skills to report on forest governance, climate-related challenges, and sustainable resource management. By combining policy knowledge, investigative techniques, and data journalism skills, the workshop helps strengthen environmental reporting and amplify voices affected by forest governance decisions.