Earth Journalism Network (EJN) Grants 2026 Application

The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is providing reporting grants to journalists for the manufacturing of in-depth tales on forest governance points. These grants goal to spotlight challenges and alternatives in forest administration, local weather change, biodiversity, and group 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 potential in distinctive circumstances)
• Languages Accepted: Applications in English solely (tales could also be printed in native languages with English translation)

Forest governance is more and more acknowledged as central to addressing local weather change, biodiversity loss, poverty, and inequality. Despite international commitments to halt deforestation by 2030, forests stay beneath strain as a consequence of weak governance, unlawful logging, mining, and lack of group participation.

Why Forest Governance Matters

• Global Commitments: Over 130 international locations pledged to halt and reverse forest loss by 2030.
• Persistent Challenges: Poor rule of legislation, lack of transparency, and restricted stakeholder participation.
• Community Rights: Many international locations are granting forest administration rights to native communities, together with ladies and Indigenous Peoples.
• New Opportunities: Growth in sustainable forest product commerce, carbon markets, and nature credit.

Story Themes

Applicants are inspired to pitch tales that concentrate on country-specific themes or worldwide forest governance processes.

Indonesia

• Deforestation pushed by oil palm plantations and mineral mining
• Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) land rights
• Forest legislation enforcement gaps
• Social forestry initiatives
• Timber legality assurance system (SVLK) and FLEGT licensing

Vietnam

• Timber commerce and REDD+ initiatives
• Implementation of the FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreement with the EU
• Benefit-sharing mechanisms for native communities

Cameroon

• REDD+ and group forestry
• Illegal logging and associated actions
• Cocoa plantations and forest legislation 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 manufacturing on forests
• Implementation of FLEGT licensing

International Focus

• EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR)
• REDD+ and the Global Biodiversity Framework
• Trade relationships and insurance policies affecting goal international locations

Eligibility

• Who Can Apply: Journalists from any nation, with precedence for Cameroon, Liberia, Ghana, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
• International Applicants: Journalists from the UK, EU member states, China, India, and Japan are inspired to apply for worldwide forest governance tales.
• Groups: Collaborative functions are allowed, however one lead applicant should apply on behalf of the group.
• Language Requirement: Applications should be submitted in English.
• Media Formats: Online, print, tv, radio, and different skilled reporting mediums.
• Experience: Open to each early-career and skilled journalists with a monitor file in biodiversity, local weather, or forest points.

Grant Logistics

• Number of Grants: Up to 7 story grants in 2026
• Budget Range: Average £1,500 GBP per grant (smaller budgets extra aggressive)
• Eligible Costs:
  • Travel and lodging
  • Translation (if publishing in native language)
  • Security-related prices (bodily, digital, psychological well being)
  • Stipend for freelance reporters (as much as 30% of complete funds)
• Equipment: Applicants are anticipated to make use of current gear; budgets for brand spanking new purchases won’t be prioritized.

Judging Criteria

Applications will likely be evaluated primarily based on:

• Relevance: Alignment with grant aims and significance of the story
• Angle: Fresh insights or distinctive views on forest governance challenges
• Reach: Potential viewers measurement and accessibility (keep away from paywalls)
• Impact: Ability to tell, interact, and spur motion amongst stakeholders
• Innovation: Use of multimedia, information visualization, and inventive storytelling
• Timeliness: Commitment to publish by September 2026 (editor’s letter of assist required)

Application Process

• Click “Apply Now” on the EJN website.
• Log in or create a brand new account.
• Prepare the next paperwork:
  • Detailed funds (Excel template offered)
  • Signed letter of assist from an editor confirming publication
  • Two samples of earlier work or hyperlinks to related tales
• Save drafts if wanted and return later to finalize.
• Submit earlier than the deadline: January 6, 2026.

Acknowledgement & Rights

• Published tales should embody the tagline: “This story was produced with support from Internews’ Earth Journalism Network.”
• EJN, its companions, and funders retain rights to edit, publish, and distribute supported tales.

This grant program is funded by UK International Development. Selected journalists will obtain mentorship assist all through the story manufacturing course of.

Applicants are inspired to:

• Develop strong threat administration plans
• Be clear about using generative AI instruments
• Submit modern proposals that spotlight underreported forest governance points