Deadline: 15-Apr-2026
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) invites communicators from coastal Bangladesh and Indian states along the Bay of Bengal to produce in-depth reporting on overlooked climate change impacts, including non-economic loss and damage, community resilience, and social consequences. Selected participants receive up to INR 90,000 / BDT 1.20 lakh and one-on-one editorial mentorship to produce impactful, policy-influencing stories.
About the Opportunity
The EJN initiative seeks to strengthen reporting on climate change impacts that are often ignored by policymakers. By highlighting non-economic consequences, the program encourages communicators to elevate stories of community resilience, biodiversity loss, health impacts, migration, cultural heritage, and education disruptions.
Key Focus Areas
Applicants are encouraged to focus on:
- Non-economic loss and damage (NELD) caused by climate change
- Community resilience in the face of storms, floods, and climate hazards
- Biodiversity and ecosystem services loss
- Physical and mental health impacts
- Climate-induced migration
- Cultural heritage preservation
- Education disruption from repurposed school/college buildings
Special attention will be given to stories highlighting women, youth, and marginalized communities.
Funding and Support
- Grant amount: Up to INR 90,000 / BDT 1.20 lakh per project
- Mentorship: One-on-one editorial guidance for producing high-quality reports
- Formats supported: Text, video, audio, or multimedia projects under the same budget
- Lead applicant: Responsible for fund management and communication
Eligibility
- Individuals or groups from coastal Bangladesh or the Indian states of West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu
- Early-career or experienced environmental reporters
- Women, youth, differently-abled, Indigenous, and marginalized community communicators are strongly encouraged
- Applications may be submitted in English, Bangla, Odiya, Telugu, or Tamil
- Ethical professional conduct is required; plagiarism or AI-generated content passed as original work is disqualified
Why This Opportunity Matters
This initiative helps amplify underrepresented climate stories, ensuring that local, social, and cultural impacts are communicated effectively. By producing rigorous, policy-relevant reporting, communicators can influence local and national discussions and support community resilience and climate action.
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility – Ensure you are based in the eligible coastal regions and meet professional criteria.
- Develop a project proposal – Outline focus areas, format (text/video/audio), and expected impact.
- Identify a lead applicant – Responsible for communication and fund management if applying as a group.
- Highlight inclusivity – Emphasize reporting on women, youth, and marginalized communities.
- Submit ethical work – Ensure originality, accuracy, and adherence to professional standards.
FAQs
1. Who can apply?
Individuals or groups from coastal Bangladesh or the Indian states of West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu with experience in environmental reporting.
2. What is the grant amount?
Up to INR 90,000 / BDT 1.20 lakh per selected project.
3. Are multimedia submissions allowed?
Yes, text, video, audio, and multimedia formats are eligible.
4. What languages are accepted?
Submissions may be in English, Bangla, Odiya, Telugu, or Tamil.
5. Are marginalized and underrepresented applicants encouraged?
Yes. Women, youth, differently-abled, Indigenous, and marginalized community communicators are strongly encouraged to apply.
6. Is mentorship provided?
Yes, each selected participant receives one-on-one editorial mentorship to strengthen reporting quality.
7. Are AI-generated or plagiarized submissions allowed?
No. All work must be original, and EJN reserves the right to disqualify any submission that violates ethical standards.
Final Takeaway
The Earth Journalism Network empowers communicators from the Bay of Bengal coast to produce impactful, underreported stories on climate change, with funding and editorial support. This initiative amplifies community voices, highlights overlooked impacts, and influences policy, strengthening regional climate resilience.
For more information, visit EJN.
