Virtual Media Workshops on the 30×30 Target and Marine Protected Areas 2026

The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is hosting three-day virtual workshops in February and March 2026 for journalists in Ghana, Mexico, and the Philippines. The workshops focus on the 30×30 marine conservation target, providing training in marine protected areas (MPAs), policy monitoring, accountability journalism, and equitable conservation practices. Participants completing the sessions become eligible for story grants to report on government commitments and initiatives related to 30×30.

Overview of the EJN Marine Conservation Workshops

The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering intensive, three-day virtual workshops aimed at enhancing journalists’ knowledge and reporting skills on marine conservation, specifically the 30×30 target, which seeks to protect 30% of global marine areas by 2030. The workshops provide practical tools, insights, and mentorship to support high-quality reporting on ocean conservation.

Why It Matters

The 30×30 marine conservation goal is critical for protecting biodiversity, sustaining fisheries, and addressing climate change. Journalists trained through these workshops will:

Understand the 30×30 target and national commitments.
Learn key conservation strategies such as MPAs and the 30×30 Progress Tracker.
Gain skills in accountability journalism to monitor government actions.
Report on threats, solutions, and policy developments, increasing public awareness and policymaker accountability.

Who is Eligible?

Journalists based in Ghana, Mexico, or the Philippines.
Open to freelancers and staff journalists across community, local, national, and international media outlets.
Special encouragement for women, rural, Indigenous, and early-career journalists.
Applicants must meet language requirements corresponding to the workshop location.

Workshop Content and Learning Outcomes

Participants will receive training in:

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): designation, scientific benefits, and participatory monitoring.
Conservation strategies and tools: 30×30 Progress Tracker, marine spatial planning, eDNA, AI, and remote sensing.
Regulations and policies: national and international frameworks to curb illegal and harmful marine activities.
Equitable conservation: respecting Indigenous and local community rights.
Journalism skills: accountability journalism, solutions journalism, data-driven reporting, risk management, and adapting reporting for social media.
Technology use: satellite monitoring, remote sensing, and other innovative tools for tracking conservation progress.

How the Workshops Work

Format: Three-day virtual workshops on Zoom.
Duration: Three hours per day.
Schedule: Philippines in early February, Mexico in early March, Ghana in late March 2026.
Participants: Approximately 40 journalists per country.
Instruction: Presentations and discussions featuring researchers, policymakers, civil society representatives, and local community leaders.
Certificate: Participants completing all sessions receive a certificate from EJN.

Story Grants and Post-Workshop Opportunities

Eligible participants can apply for story grants to fund in-depth reporting on 30×30 initiatives.
Grants cover travel, stipends, multimedia production, and other reporting expenses.
Participants receive one-on-one editorial mentorship and guidance on social media adaptation.
Reporting period: May to November 2026.

How to Apply

Access the designated online application system.
Complete all required fields and upload necessary materials.
Option to save drafts before final submission.
Submit applications before the deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Contact EJN via email for technical support if needed.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Incomplete applications: Ensure all required documents and materials are submitted.
Missing deadlines: Late submissions are automatically disqualified.
Ignoring language requirements: Submit applications in the language required for the workshop location.
Limited participation focus: Highlight relevant experience in marine reporting or conservation topics.

FAQ

1. Who can apply for these workshops?
Journalists from Ghana, Mexico, or the Philippines, including freelancers and media professionals across all platforms.

2. How long are the workshops?
Three-day virtual sessions, three hours per day.

3. When will participants be notified?
Selected participants will be notified in January 2026.

4. Are the workshops free?
Yes, workshops are fully funded and supported by Oceans 5 and the Bloomberg Ocean Fund.

5. What are the benefits of completing the workshops?
Participants receive a certificate of completion and eligibility to apply for story grants supporting in-depth reporting.

6. What topics are covered?
MPA designation, monitoring strategies, conservation tools, policy frameworks, accountability journalism, technology use, and equitable conservation practices.

7. Can I submit a late application?
No, late submissions will not be accepted.

Conclusion

The EJN virtual workshops offer journalists in Ghana, Mexico, and the Philippines a unique opportunity to strengthen expertise in marine conservation and 30×30 reporting. Participants gain practical skills, access to expert mentorship, and the chance to secure story grants, enabling impactful journalism that drives accountability and supports global marine protection efforts.