Earth Journalism Network Reporting Grants for Biodiversity Journalism

The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) Biodiversity Reporting Grants support journalists based in West Africa to produce in-depth stories on biodiversity conservation, ecosystem threats, and environmental solutions. Selected journalists receive financial support of approximately EUR 1,000–2,000, mentorship, and assistance to publish impactful biodiversity reporting by December 31, 2026.

Overview of the Earth Journalism Network Biodiversity Reporting Grants

The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is inviting applications from journalists based in West Africa for reporting grants focused on biodiversity issues affecting the region.

The programme supports innovative journalism projects that investigate environmental challenges, highlight conservation solutions, and improve public understanding of biodiversity loss across West Africa.

Selected journalists will receive funding and professional mentorship to develop high-quality stories using approaches such as:

• Investigative reporting.
• Multimedia storytelling.
• Data journalism.
• Cross-border reporting.
• Collaborative journalism.

The programme encourages reporting that explores both the threats facing ecosystems and the solutions being developed by communities, governments, and conservation actors.

Purpose of the Biodiversity Reporting Grants

West Africa contains globally important ecosystems, including:

• Guinean forests.
• Coastal mangroves.
• Wetlands.
• Forest landscapes.
• Marine ecosystems.

These ecosystems support millions of people by providing:

• Food resources.
• Traditional medicines.
• Employment opportunities.
• Climate regulation.
• Cultural and social benefits.

However, biodiversity in the region is increasingly threatened by:

• Agricultural expansion.
• Deforestation.
• Logging.
• Mining activities.
• Climate change.
• Habitat destruction.
• Unsustainable resource use.

The EJN grant programme aims to strengthen media coverage of these issues and encourage journalism that supports conservation awareness and informed decision-making.

Why Biodiversity Reporting Matters

Environmental journalism plays an important role in:

• Exposing threats to ecosystems.
• Highlighting conservation challenges.
• Giving visibility to affected communities.
• Supporting accountability.
• Sharing successful environmental solutions.
• Improving public understanding of biodiversity protection.

Many biodiversity challenges remain underreported, especially stories involving local communities, conservation impacts, and links between nature and human wellbeing.

Priority Reporting Themes

The programme welcomes proposals covering innovative and underreported biodiversity topics.

Priority areas include:

Area-Based Conservation

Stories may explore:

• Protected areas.
• Conservation strategies.
• Biodiversity protection initiatives.
• Effectiveness of conservation policies.

Business, Agriculture and Ecosystem Impacts

Applicants may investigate:

• Agricultural expansion.
• Industrial development.
• Mining impacts.
• Corporate environmental practices.
• Effects of economic activities on ecosystems.

Community-Led Conservation

Stories may focus on:

• Indigenous and local knowledge.
• Community conservation initiatives.
• Local environmental leadership.
• Sustainable resource management.

Nature-Based Solutions

Applicants can report on:

• Ecosystem restoration.
• Climate adaptation solutions.
• Natural approaches to environmental challenges.
• Biodiversity-friendly development models.

Conservation Policy Impacts

Proposals may examine:

• Unintended consequences of conservation policies.
• Implementation challenges.
• Gaps between international commitments and local action.

Biodiversity and Public Health

Stories may explore connections between:

• Ecosystem health.
• Disease risks.
• Human health.
• Environmental changes.

Global and Local Conservation Actors

Journalists may investigate:

• International conservation organisations.
• Local environmental groups.
• Funding systems.
• Relationships between global and community-level conservation efforts.

Who Is Eligible?

The grant programme is open to journalists based in eligible West African countries.

Eligible countries include:

• Benin
• Burkina Faso
• Cape Verde
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Gambia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Liberia
• Mali
• Mauritania
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• Togo

Applicants may include:

• Freelance journalists.
• Staff journalists.
• Multimedia journalists.
• Investigative reporters.
• Journalism teams.

Teams may apply, but one lead applicant must be identified.

Applicant Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be based in West Africa.
• Submit proposals in English or French.
• Provide previous reporting samples.
• Submit a detailed project budget.
• Provide a letter of support from an editor.

Applications from journalists working in areas with high biodiversity value or significant biodiversity loss may receive preference.

Preference may also be given to journalists from French-speaking countries.

Grant Benefits and Funding Support

Five selected journalists will receive:

• Financial support of approximately EUR 1,000–2,000.
• Professional mentorship from experienced journalists.
• Support for producing impactful biodiversity stories.

Funding may cover:

• Travel expenses.
• Accommodation.
• Reporting costs.
• Research expenses.
• Journalist remuneration.
• Translation costs for stories published in local languages.

Expected Story Outputs

Supported stories must be published by:

December 31, 2026

Stories may be published in:

• English.
• French.
• Local languages.

Applicants should propose reporting projects that can create meaningful public impact and reach relevant audiences.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Develop a Reporting Idea

Create a strong story proposal focused on biodiversity issues in West Africa.

The proposal should explain:

• The environmental issue.
• Why the story matters.
• The communities affected.
• The reporting approach.
• Expected outcomes.

Step 2: Select a Reporting Approach

Applicants are encouraged to use innovative formats, including:

• Investigative reporting.
• Multimedia storytelling.
• Data-driven journalism.
• Cross-border collaborations.
• Community-based reporting.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Detailed reporting proposal.
• Project budget.
• Editor support letter.
• Previous journalism samples.

Step 4: Submit Application

Submit the completed application according to the programme requirements.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Innovation of the reporting idea.
• Relevance to biodiversity issues.
• Quality of proposed storytelling approach.
• Potential public impact.
• Feasibility of completing the project.
• Experience of the journalist or team.

Preference will be given to proposals that:

• Cover underreported issues.
• Provide new perspectives.
• Highlight local voices.
• Explore practical conservation solutions.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

• Choosing a specific and focused biodiversity issue.
• Explaining why the story is important now.
• Including voices from affected communities.
• Demonstrating access to reliable sources.
• Using data or investigative methods where possible.
• Showing how the story will reach audiences.
• Preparing a realistic budget.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting broad environmental topics without a clear focus.
• Ignoring local community perspectives.
• Providing unrealistic budgets.
• Failing to explain the reporting methodology.
• Submitting incomplete documents.
• Proposing stories unrelated to biodiversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Earth Journalism Network Biodiversity Reporting Grants?

The grants provide financial support and mentorship to West African journalists producing in-depth stories about biodiversity challenges, conservation efforts, and environmental solutions.

Who can apply for the biodiversity reporting grants?

Journalists based in eligible West African countries can apply, including freelance journalists, media professionals, and journalism teams with a designated lead applicant.

How much funding do selected journalists receive?

Five selected grantees will receive approximately EUR 1,000–2,000 to support reporting activities, along with mentorship from experienced journalists.

What topics are supported under the programme?

Supported topics include biodiversity loss, conservation policies, ecosystem threats, community-led conservation, nature-based solutions, agriculture and business impacts, and biodiversity links with public health.

Can freelance journalists apply?

Yes. Freelance journalists are eligible to apply if they meet the programme requirements and are based in an eligible West African country.

What costs can the grant support?

Funding may support travel, accommodation, reporting expenses, journalist remuneration, and translation costs for stories published in local languages.

When must supported stories be published?

All funded reporting projects must be completed and published by December 31, 2026.

Conclusion

The Earth Journalism Network Biodiversity Reporting Grants provide an important opportunity for West African journalists to investigate environmental challenges and highlight conservation solutions. By supporting innovative reporting, community-focused storytelling, and evidence-based journalism, the programme aims to increase awareness of biodiversity protection and strengthen public understanding of the region’s environmental future.