Deadline: 24-Apr-2026
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is hosting a three-day virtual media workshop in mid-June 2026 for environmental journalists in Asia focused on reporting about ape conservation, including threats facing gibbons and orangutans. Participants who complete the workshop will receive a certificate, and selected journalists may later apply for a story fellowship worth USD 1,500, with funding available for up to 10 reporting projects.
What is the Earth Journalism Network Ape Conservation Workshop?
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering a virtual environmental journalism workshop for journalists in Asia who want to improve their reporting on ape conservation and the threats facing small and great apes.
The workshop is designed to help journalists better understand:
- Apes and their relationship to humans
- Conservation threats and policy challenges
- Ethical and accurate wildlife reporting
- Storytelling approaches for stronger environmental journalism
It is especially relevant for journalists in gibbon- and orangutan-range countries.
Workshop Dates and Format
Workshop Schedule
- Format: Virtual workshop
- Platform: Zoom
- Timing: Mid-June 2026
- Duration: 3 days
- Session length: 3 hours per day
Language Support
- Simultaneous interpretation may be available in multiple Asian languages
- Availability depends on participant selection and language needs
Certificate
Participants who attend all sessions will receive:
- Certificate of completion
Story Fellowship Opportunity After the Workshop
After the workshop, selected participants may apply for a follow-on story fellowship.
Fellowship Details
- Funding amount: USD 1,500
- Number of fellowships: Up to 10 journalists
- Purpose: Support in-depth reporting projects on:
- Ape conservation
- Forest ecosystems
- Illegal wildlife trade
- Human health and biodiversity links
- Related environmental topics
What Will the Workshop Cover?
The workshop aims to improve both subject knowledge and journalistic quality.
Main Learning Areas
Participants will explore:
- The biology and ecology of apes
- The evolutionary relationship between humans and non-human primates
- The importance of recognizing apes’ intrinsic right to exist
- How to improve accuracy and ethical depth in wildlife reporting
- Conservation laws, policies, and implementation gaps
- Major threats such as:
- Deforestation
- Agricultural expansion
- Illegal wildlife trade
- Captivity and exploitation
- Conservation responses and emerging trends
- Practical storytelling strategies for impactful journalism
Why This Workshop Matters
This workshop is important because ape conservation is closely linked to:
- Forest protection
- Biodiversity conservation
- Ecosystem health
- Human health
- Climate and environmental resilience
For journalists, it offers a chance to produce more informed, ethical, and impactful reporting on a topic that connects wildlife, conservation, and communities.
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must be journalists from one of the following countries:
Eligible Media Types
Applications are open to:
- Freelance journalists
- Staff journalists
Across:
Applicant Requirements
To be a strong candidate, applicants should have:
- A strong background in environmental reporting
- Interest in conservation journalism
- A commitment to continued reporting on environmental or wildlife issues
Important Notes
- Prior experience covering apes is not required
- Applications must be submitted in English
- Applicants should have basic English communication skills
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Application Tips
- Confirm country eligibility
Make sure you are based in one of the 9 eligible Asian countries. - Highlight your environmental journalism experience
Emphasize reporting on:- Wildlife
- Forests
- Biodiversity
- Climate
- Conservation
- Indigenous or ecosystem issues
- Show interest in ape conservation
Even if you have not reported on apes before, explain why the issue matters to your journalism. - Demonstrate future reporting intent
EJN is looking for journalists likely to continue covering conservation topics after the workshop. - Prepare your application in English
Keep your responses clear, direct, and well-structured.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common application errors:
- Applying without clear environmental reporting experience
- Submitting a generic journalism profile without a conservation angle
- Failing to explain why you want to cover ape-related issues
- Not showing a commitment to future environmental reporting
- Weak English-language application responses
- Assuming prior ape coverage is required and under-selling your eligibility
FAQ
1. What is the Earth Journalism Network ape conservation workshop?
It is a three-day virtual media workshop in mid-June 2026 for environmental journalists in Asia focused on reporting on ape conservation and related ecosystem threats.
2. Who can apply?
Eligible applicants are journalists from:
- Cambodia
- China
- India
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Thailand
- Vietnam
3. Is prior experience reporting on apes required?
No. Prior experience covering apes is not required, but applicants should have a strong environmental reporting background.
4. How is the workshop delivered?
The workshop will be held online via Zoom over three days, with three-hour daily sessions.
5. Will participants receive a certificate?
Yes. Journalists who attend all workshop sessions will receive a certificate of completion.
6. Is there any funding opportunity after the workshop?
Yes. Selected participants may apply for a story fellowship of USD 1,500, with funding available for up to 10 journalists.
7. In what language must the application be submitted?
Applications must be submitted in English, and applicants should have basic English communication skills.
Conclusion
The Earth Journalism Network Virtual Media Workshop 2026 is a valuable opportunity for environmental journalists in Asia to strengthen their reporting on ape conservation, biodiversity loss, wildlife trade, and forest ecosystems.
For more information, visit Earth Journalism Network.