Deadline: 18-Jun-2026
This workshop is designed to strengthen journalists’ understanding of deep-sea ecosystems, marine biodiversity, and ocean governance issues, while improving the quality of environmental reporting. It focuses on topics such as deep-sea mining, marine protected areas, seafloor mapping, and global ocean treaties.
The programme is open to professional journalists, media professionals, and digital content creators from Brazil, with a strong focus on environmental reporting experience and Portuguese language proficiency. Selected participants will receive full travel and accommodation support.
What Is the Deep-Sea Journalism Workshop?
The workshop is a professional training programme for journalists focused on improving reporting on ocean science and marine environmental issues.
It aims to:
- Improve understanding of deep-sea ecosystems
- Strengthen environmental journalism skills
- Increase public awareness of ocean threats
- Support accurate and engaging science communication
- Connect journalists with marine science experts
Key Focus Areas
The workshop covers major topics in marine science and policy, including:
- Deep-sea ecosystems and biodiversity
- Marine biodiversity hotspots
- Deep-sea mining impacts
- Ocean trawling and fishing pressures
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
- High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement)
- Seabed 2030 initiative and ocean mapping
- Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs)
- Challenger 150 scientific initiative
- Ocean carbon storage and climate regulation
- Advances in deep-sea research
The programme also includes practical training on:
- Science communication techniques
- Making ocean reporting accessible to the public
- Engaging policy-makers with environmental stories
- Visual and narrative storytelling tools
Eligibility Criteria
The workshop is open to:
- Professional journalists
- Media professionals
- Content creators and influencers with active social media presence
Applicants must:
- Be based in Brazil
- Have experience in environmental journalism (preferably ocean-related)
- Demonstrate ongoing interest in ocean or climate reporting
- Have good command of Portuguese
- Be available from 14–16 September (arrival: 13 September, departure: 17 September)
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter of support confirming participation and intent to publish work
- Recent ocean-related journalism samples (with bylines, past 12 months)
- Short English synopsis (if samples are not in English)
Applications are accepted in:
- English
- Portuguese
Selection Criteria
Participants will be selected based on:
- Experience in environmental or ocean journalism
- Commitment to long-term reporting on marine issues
- Quality and relevance of past work
- Motivation to produce future stories after the workshop
- Diversity in geography, media type, and experience level
Special consideration is given to:
- Representation from different regions of Brazil
- Inclusion of Northeast Brazil and Fortaleza-based journalists
Funding and Support
Selected participants will receive full support, including:
For participants outside Fortaleza:
- Economy-class airfare (non-refundable tickets)
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Travel medical insurance
- Local transportation
For participants based in Fortaleza:
- Modest daily per diem for local expenses
Programme Structure
- Pre-workshop virtual orientation session
- In-person workshop in Fortaleza
- Practical training sessions and expert-led discussions
- Field-based learning and journalism exercises
Timeline
- Workshop dates: 14–16 September
- Arrival: 13 September
- Departure: 17 September
- Selection announcement: Late June or early July
How to Apply
- Prepare CV and journalism portfolio.
- Collect recent ocean/environment reporting samples.
- Obtain a letter of support confirming participation intent.
- Write a short synopsis of your work (if needed).
- Submit application in English or Portuguese.
- Wait for selection results in June/July.
FAQ
Who can apply?
Professional journalists, media professionals, and content creators from Brazil with environmental reporting experience.
Is prior ocean journalism required?
Preferred but not mandatory; environmental journalism experience is important.
Is the workshop free?
Yes, travel, accommodation, meals, and insurance are covered for selected participants.
What language is required?
Good command of Portuguese is required.
Where is the workshop held?
In Fortaleza, Brazil.
Conclusion
The Deep-Sea Journalism Workshop provides specialized training for journalists covering ocean and marine environmental issues. By combining scientific knowledge with practical reporting skills, the programme aims to strengthen high-quality journalism on critical ocean challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and marine conservation.
For more information, visit Earth Journalism Network.