The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering reporting grants to journalists for the production of in-depth stories on forest governance issues. These grants aim to highlight challenges and opportunities in forest management, climate change, biodiversity, and community rights.
- Application Deadline: January 6, 2026, 11:59 PM (Pacific/Niue)
- Grant Amount: Average of £1,500 GBP per story
- Grant Timeline: February 2026 – September 2026 (extensions possible in exceptional cases)
- Languages Accepted: Applications in English only (stories may be published in local languages with English translation)
Forest governance is increasingly recognized as central to addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, poverty, and inequality. Despite global commitments to halt deforestation by 2030, forests remain under pressure due to weak governance, illegal logging, mining, and lack of community participation.
Why Forest Governance Matters
- Global Commitments: Over 130 countries pledged to halt and reverse forest loss by 2030.
- Persistent Challenges: Poor rule of law, lack of transparency, and limited stakeholder participation.
- Community Rights: Many countries are granting forest management rights to local communities, including women and Indigenous Peoples.
- New Opportunities: Growth in sustainable forest product trade, carbon markets, and nature credits.
Story Themes
Applicants are encouraged to pitch stories that focus on country-specific themes or international forest governance processes.
Indonesia
- Deforestation driven by oil palm plantations and mineral mining
- Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) land rights
- Forest law enforcement gaps
- Social forestry initiatives
- Timber legality assurance system (SVLK) and FLEGT licensing
Vietnam
- Timber trade and REDD+ initiatives
- Implementation of the FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreement with the EU
- Benefit-sharing mechanisms for local communities
Cameroon
- REDD+ and community forestry
- Illegal logging and related activities
- Cocoa plantations and forest law enforcement
Liberia
- Illegal logging, mining, and deforestation
- Financial crimes linked to forest exploitation
- EU-Liberia directives and agreements
Ghana
- Impacts of gold mining and cocoa production on forests
- Implementation of FLEGT licensing
International Focus
- EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR)
- REDD+ and the Global Biodiversity Framework
- Trade relationships and policies affecting target countries
Eligibility
- Who Can Apply: Journalists from any country, with priority for Cameroon, Liberia, Ghana, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
- International Applicants: Journalists from the UK, EU member states, China, India, and Japan are encouraged to apply for international forest governance stories.
- Groups: Collaborative applications are allowed, but one lead applicant must apply on behalf of the group.
- Language Requirement: Applications must be submitted in English.
- Media Formats: Online, print, television, radio, and other professional reporting mediums.
- Experience: Open to both early-career and experienced journalists with a track record in biodiversity, climate, or forest issues.
Grant Logistics
- Number of Grants: Up to 7 story grants in 2026
- Budget Range: Average £1,500 GBP per grant (smaller budgets more competitive)
- Eligible Costs:
- Travel and accommodation
- Translation (if publishing in local language)
- Security-related costs (physical, digital, mental health)
- Stipend for freelance reporters (up to 30% of total budget)
- Equipment: Applicants are expected to use existing equipment; budgets for new purchases will not be prioritized.
Judging Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Relevance: Alignment with grant objectives and importance of the story
- Angle: Fresh insights or unique perspectives on forest governance challenges
- Reach: Potential audience size and accessibility (avoid paywalls)
- Impact: Ability to inform, engage, and spur action among stakeholders
- Innovation: Use of multimedia, data visualization, and creative storytelling
- Timeliness: Commitment to publish by September 2026 (editor’s letter of support required)
Application Process
- Click “Apply Now” on the EJN website.
- Log in or create a new account.
- Prepare the following documents:
- Detailed budget (Excel template provided)
- Signed letter of support from an editor confirming publication
- Two samples of previous work or links to relevant stories
- Save drafts if needed and return later to finalize.
- Submit before the deadline: January 6, 2026.
Acknowledgement & Rights
- Published stories must include the tagline: “This story was produced with support from Internews’ Earth Journalism Network.”
- EJN, its partners, and funders retain rights to edit, publish, and distribute supported stories.
This grant program is funded by UK International Development. Selected journalists will receive mentorship support throughout the story production process.
Applicants are encouraged to:
- Develop robust risk management plans
- Be transparent about the use of generative AI tools
- Submit innovative proposals that highlight underreported forest governance issues