Deadline: 16-Jul-25
The Earth Shorts fellowship program is inviting applications from social media content creators and environmental journalists across South and Southeast Asia. This unique initiative is designed to foster collaboration between two growing communities—creators who are curious to explore biodiversity topics using journalistic methods, and journalists who want to sharpen their skills for engaging audiences on social media platforms.
This fellowship aims to strengthen the quality and reach of biodiversity-related information online. Through a structured training and mentorship program, the initiative will empower participants to create compelling, evidence-based content that resonates with their respective audiences while fostering greater public engagement in pressing local, national, and regional environmental issues.
Ten content creators and ten journalists will be selected, each receiving US $2,000 in funding. This cohort of 20 fellows will participate in a series of learning and production activities designed to enhance their storytelling capabilities. The program is part of a larger effort by EJN to boost impactful biodiversity communication in the digital space.
The fellowship includes a pre-workshop assessment, followed by a three-day virtual workshop that offers both shared and specialized sessions for content creators and journalists. These sessions will cover storytelling techniques, content development, and strategies for engaging online audiences.
Selected fellows will also receive mentorship support to refine their short-form video ideas and develop effective distribution strategies. Participants will benefit from peer-learning sessions, where they can share their content, exchange strategies, and provide feedback to each other. The program encourages collaboration across the two groups, promoting learning and creative synergy.
Participants are expected to follow safety guidelines during fieldwork, particularly with regard to health risks and digital security. All content can be produced in local languages but must include English subtitles or captions to ensure broader accessibility.
Fellows must acknowledge support by including the tagline: “Produced as part of #EarthShorts @earthjournalism.” Internews and its partners will retain republication rights for all content produced under this program.
To be eligible, applicants must be based in one of the following countries: Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan, Thailand (including Myanmar nationals based in Thailand), Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, or the Philippines.
Content creators must have between 20,000 and 200,000 followers on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or X. They should regularly post videos on topics like lifestyle, science, travel, or social issues. Current reporters for media outlets are not eligible, although former journalists may apply. Previous experience creating biodiversity content is not required—only a genuine interest in linking their work to these themes.
Journalists, whether staff or freelance, should be actively reporting on biodiversity issues. They must have a regular social media presence but are not required to meet any specific follower count. Journalists do not need prior experience as content creators but should be enthusiastic about improving their digital media skills.
Applications must be submitted in English. Applicants should have a working knowledge of English or access to a translator for communications with Internews staff. However, the actual content produced under the fellowship may be in any language.
All applications will be judged based on relevance, storytelling angle, impact, creativity, motivation, and availability. EJN reserves the right to disqualify applicants involved in unethical practices such as plagiarism or submission of AI-generated content without disclosure.
This fellowship presents a dynamic opportunity for emerging voices to blend storytelling, journalism, and digital media to elevate public understanding of biodiversity and inspire change across South and Southeast Asia.
For more information, visit EJN.
