Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions Story Grants support journalists worldwide to produce in-depth, investigative, and solutions-oriented reporting on biodiversity loss and nature-based solutions. The programme places strong emphasis on coverage from low- and middle-income countries, particularly biodiversity-rich regions facing environmental degradation.
The grants aim to improve public understanding of biodiversity challenges and promote high-impact storytelling on the relationship between ecosystems, climate, health, and human livelihoods.
Overview
This grant programme supports high-quality journalism that explores biodiversity loss and nature-based responses through investigative reporting, data journalism, and multimedia storytelling. It encourages innovative reporting formats that help audiences understand complex environmental issues and their real-world implications.
The initiative prioritises stories that highlight both environmental risks and practical solutions that connect biodiversity conservation with sustainable development.
Programme Objectives
The grants aim to:
- Increase global awareness of biodiversity loss and environmental degradation
- Promote solutions-oriented journalism on nature-based approaches
- Strengthen reporting from low- and middle-income countries
- Highlight links between biodiversity, climate change, food systems, and health
- Support investigative and data-driven environmental journalism
- Encourage innovative storytelling formats and cross-border collaboration
Key Themes
Eligible story proposals should focus on one or more of the following areas:
- Biodiversity conservation challenges and ecosystem decline
- Nature-based solutions for climate and environmental resilience
- Links between biodiversity, food security, and livelihoods
- Connections between biodiversity and human health
- Business dependence on ecosystems and natural capital
- Community-led conservation and collaborative governance models
- Unintended social or environmental impacts of conservation policies
- Interactions between biodiversity and climate change
Eligible Applicants
The programme is open to:
- Journalists and media professionals worldwide
- Print, online, television, and radio journalists
- Early-career and experienced reporters
Applicants must:
- Focus primarily on low- or middle-income countries (as defined by the World Bank)
- Propose a clear, feasible, and impactful story idea
- Secure editorial commitment from a media outlet for publication
- Demonstrate adherence to ethical journalism standards
- Show capacity for high-quality storytelling and reporting
Funding Information
- Number of grants: Up to 25
- Average grant amount: EUR 1,800
- Award timeline: Grants awarded in July
- Publication deadline: All stories must be published by October 31, 2026
Budget Guidelines
Applicants must submit a detailed budget that includes:
- Reporting-related travel and accommodation
- Data collection and production costs
- Safety-related expenses (physical, digital, and mental health)
- Translation costs (if reporting in local languages)
- Freelance stipends (capped at 30% of total budget)
- Existing equipment usage (new purchases discouraged)
Additional notes:
- Smaller, efficient budgets are preferred
- Larger budgets may be considered for complex investigative projects
- Applicants must disclose other funding sources
Storytelling Formats
The programme encourages innovative and impactful storytelling approaches, including:
- Investigative journalism
- Data-driven reporting
- Multimedia storytelling (video, audio, interactive content)
- Geojournalism and mapping-based narratives
- Cross-border collaborative reporting
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Relevance to biodiversity and nature-based solutions
- Clarity and originality of the story idea
- Potential audience value and public interest impact
- Freshness of angle or investigative depth
- Quality and credibility of publication outlet
- Accessibility and reach (including paywalled platforms)
- Feasibility of reporting plan and timeline compliance
- Editorial commitment to publish by October 31, 2026
How to Apply
Step 1: Develop Story Proposal
Prepare a clear proposal that includes:
- Central biodiversity issue or theme
- Geographic focus (priority: low- and middle-income countries)
- Reporting approach and methodology
- Intended storytelling format (text, multimedia, data, etc.)
Step 2: Secure Editorial Commitment
Ensure:
- A media outlet confirms publication
- Publication timeline aligns with October 2026 deadline
Step 3: Prepare Budget
Include:
- Travel and reporting costs
- Production and safety-related expenses
- Translation (if required)
- Freelance or support costs (within limits)
Step 4: Submit Application
Submit the application in English, including:
- Story proposal
- Budget breakdown
- Editorial confirmation letter
- Reporting samples (if required)
Tips for Applicants
- Focus on underreported biodiversity issues in vulnerable regions
- Highlight clear links between ecosystems and human wellbeing
- Use data and evidence to strengthen investigative depth
- Incorporate innovative formats like multimedia or mapping tools
- Ensure strong editorial backing and publication feasibility
- Keep budgets realistic and cost-efficient
- Emphasise originality and real-world relevance
Why This Programme Matters
Biodiversity loss is a global crisis with direct impacts on climate stability, food systems, health, and livelihoods. However, coverage of these issues remains uneven, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This programme strengthens journalism capacity to investigate environmental challenges and highlight actionable nature-based solutions that support both ecosystems and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can apply for the grants?
- Journalists and media practitioners in print, digital, radio, or television formats worldwide.
- What is the focus of the programme?
- Biodiversity loss and nature-based solutions, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
- How many grants are available?
- Up to 25 grants.
- What is the average grant amount?
- Approximately EUR 1,800.
- What is the publication deadline?
- All stories must be published by October 31, 2026.
- Is editorial approval required?
- Yes, a confirmed commitment from a media outlet is mandatory.
- What types of stories are encouraged?
- Investigative, multimedia, data-driven, and cross-border journalism.
Conclusion
The Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions Story Grants support impactful environmental journalism that highlights biodiversity loss and practical solutions. By funding innovative storytelling from low- and middle-income countries, the programme strengthens global awareness of ecological challenges and promotes informed action to protect biodiversity and support sustainable development.
For more information, visit Earth Journalism Network.