Apply for EJN Biodiversity Story Grants 2024

By
Kelvin Ejeta
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The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) provides reporting grants to create comprehensive stories addressing lesser-known risks to global biodiversity or innovative conservation approaches.

EJN Biodiversity Story Grants

EJN Biodiversity Story Grants 2024

As human activities, such as poaching, trafficking, and deforestation, contribute significantly to the biodiversity crisis, which endangers our planet’s well-being and humanity, journalists play a vital role in informing the public about the issue and encouraging discussions on potential nature-based solutions for biodiversity conservation.

Program Detail

As the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16) takes place in Colombia from October 21st to November 1st, media plays a crucial role in monitoring the progress of countries’ conservation goals and commitments to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

To aid journalists in raising awareness and fostering accountability among citizens, policymakers, and corporations, the Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers story grants through its Biodiversity Media Initiative. Now in its third phase since 2016, this initiative supports the production of engaging, timely, and impactful stories related to the biodiversity crisis.

Story Themes

This grant opportunity is focused on seeking pitches for ambitious stories that employ innovative multimedia, collaborative, cross-border, or investigative approaches to enhance the coverage of biodiversity or conservation topics. They are particularly interested in proposals that incorporate data journalism and geojournalism techniques.

This year, they are interested in supporting various themes, which may include but are not limited to:

  • Uncovered stories related to trade and trafficking of endangered plants and animals, including their impacts.
  • Emerging threats to species diversity that are not widely known, such as cryptocurrency mining and seabed mining.
  • Novel approaches to monitor and combat environmental crimes like illegal mining, logging, and other factors contributing to biodiversity decline.
  • Innovations in conservation solutions that have the potential to scale up, whether led by communities, governments, or corporations.
  • Initiatives aimed at promoting “green” and “blue” economies that prioritize environmental conservation rather than exploitation.
  • Examination of new or proposed policies that could have either positive or negative implications for biodiversity.
  • Exploration of biodiversity and conservation issues in urban areas.
  • Evaluation of financing mechanisms for biodiversity conservation, such as biodiversity credits.
  • Analysis of benefit-sharing related to digital sequence information, including its possibilities and associated risks.

Grant

  • The award amounts for this opportunity are anticipated to fall within the range of 1,000-2,000 EUR. However, higher amounts (up to 5,000 EUR) are more likely to be approved for investigative or other forms of in-depth reporting.

Eligibility Criteria

  • To be eligible for this grant call, applications will only be accepted for stories focused on the countries specified in the provided list. However, journalists from any country can apply.
  • They are particularly interested in receiving applications from journalists based in countries where previous grants have not been offered. Specifically, they encourage applications from West Africa, Central America, the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe. In addition, they specifically encourage applications from the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Kyrgyzstan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • Journalists (including online, print, television, and radio) and other media practitioners with expertise in investigative reporting and environmental issues are welcome to apply.
  • Both early-career and experienced journalists with significant reporting backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Applications from freelancers and representatives of various media organizations, including international, national, local, and community-based outlets, are welcome.
  • For the story grants, both individual and group applications are welcome. In case of group applications, the grant will be given to the lead applicant, who will act as the representative for the entire group.
  • EJN reserves the right to disqualify applicants who have been found to have participated in unethical or improper professional conduct, including but not limited to plagiarism or submitting AI-generated content as their own.

Judging Criteria

When creating their story proposals, applicants should keep the following points in mind:

  • Relevance: Ensure that the proposal aligns with the criteria and objectives of the call. Clearly define why the story matters and to whom it matters. Clearly articulate the main idea, context, and overall value to the target audience.
  • Angle: If the topic has already been covered by mainstream media, the proposal should provide new insights or a fresh perspective on the subject.
  • Impact: The proposal should have a compelling narrative or investigative element that informs, engages, draws attention, sparks debate, and motivates action.
  • Innovative storytelling: Utilizing creative approaches, multimedia elements, and data visualization will be seen as a positive aspect of the proposal.

Application Process

  • Before you can apply for this opportunity, you must first create an account. Once you have successfully registered, you can then return to the application page and click on the “apply now” button.
  • Your application should include two samples of stories or links to relevant work, as well as a detailed budget that justifies the amount you are requesting.
  • Your editor must provide a signed letter of support that explicitly states the media outlet will publish the stories resulting from this grant. You can download the budget template by clicking on this link .

Visit the official website of EJN Biodiversity Story Grants for further details.

Application Deadline

May 5, 2024.

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