The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) has launched its 2026 Media Grants programme, designed to expand and enhance journalism on forest governance issues in targeted countries across Africa and Asia. This strategic initiative seeks to strengthen media capacity and promote high‑quality reporting on forest management challenges, rights of local communities, and equitable conservation solutions.
Forest governance has emerged as a critical global concern, touching on deforestation, land rights, environmental justice, and sustainable development. Effective reporting on these issues fosters accountability, informs public discourse, and drives policy engagement. In response, EJN’s latest funding call invites media organisations to submit proposals that elevate reporting standards and deepen coverage of forest governance topics that matter most to communities and stakeholders on the ground.
Purpose of the Grants
The EJN Media Grants 2026 aim to broaden the scope, quality, and impact of journalism related to forest governance in five priority countries: Liberia, Ghana, Cameroon, Vietnam and Indonesia. Participating media organisations will receive financial support to produce evidence‑based, rigorous, and compelling journalism that contextualises governance challenges and highlights potential pathways for sustainable forest management.
Proposals should focus on investigative and explanatory reporting that engages audiences and influences decision‑makers. Special emphasis is placed on amplifying under‑reported stories, engaging marginalised voices particularly Indigenous peoples and local communities affected by forest governance dynamics and fostering inclusive narratives that reflect on both obstacles and solutions.
Grant Value and Scope
Up to nine grants, each worth £10,000, will be awarded through this programme. Funding is intended to cover reporting costs, including research, fieldwork, data collection, production expenses, and dissemination. Projects with smaller budgets may be more competitive during evaluation, but larger requests that propose innovative methods and demonstrate substantial impact potential will also be considered.
Applicants are encouraged to propose creative approaches such as multimedia reporting, cross‑platform distribution strategies, and interactive storytelling elements, to maximise reach and engagement. The ultimate goal is to support narratives that not only inform but also catalyse meaningful conversations around forest governance on local, national and international stages.
Who Should Apply
Eligible applicants include media organisations and journalist networks based in Liberia, Ghana, Cameroon, Vietnam and Indonesia. Professional newsrooms, editorial teams, journalism schools, and media associations are eligible to submit proposals. While civil society organisations, environmental groups and academic institutions may apply if their projects focus on building journalistic capacity, priority will be given to entities with a strong track record or direct affiliation with professional journalism.
Proposals rooted in advocacy or political campaigning are not eligible. All applications must be submitted in English, and organisations must demonstrate linguistic capacity or provide translation support to facilitate communication and reporting processes with programme administrators.
This funding opportunity places a premium on ethical journalism and adherence to professional standards. Applicants are required to transparently disclose the use of generative AI tools in any proposal development, and the misuse of AI or failure to acknowledge its role may result in disqualification.
Selection Criteria
The selection process will be led by a panel of independent judges with expertise in environmental journalism, editorial strategy and media impact assessment. Proposals will be evaluated against a comprehensive set of criteria, including:
- Relevance: Alignment with the programme’s objectives to enhance forest governance reporting and public understanding.
- Quality: The overall strength of the editorial concept, clarity of the proposed storyline, and journalistic rigour.
- Impact Potential: The capacity of the project to reach and influence diverse audiences, including policymakers, civil society and affected communities.
- Innovation: Creative use of storytelling formats, multimedia, data visualisation and audience engagement techniques.
- Feasibility and Cost‑Effectiveness: Realistic planning, achievable timelines, and judicious use of funds.
- Geographic Representation: Ensuring that at least one grantee is selected from each of the target countries, reinforcing regional balance.
Through this rigorous review process, the programme intends to back projects capable of producing high‑impact journalism that drives accountability, promotes transparency and elevates public dialogues on forest governance issues.
Strategic Impact and Long‑Term Vision
Forest governance is a pivotal issue that intersects environmental sustainability, human rights, economic development and climate resilience. Journalism plays a critical role in spotlighting governance failures such as illegal logging, inequitable land allocation and weak enforcement of environmental protections as well as innovations in policy and community‑driven conservation models.
By investing in media capacity, EJN’s initiative seeks to enable narratives that cut through misinformation, enrich public awareness, and contribute to evidence‑based decision‑making. Impactful journalism on forest governance can galvanise civic participation, spur legislative reform and encourage collaboration across sectors to address complex environmental challenges.
Furthermore, the programme’s integration of storytelling excellence, ethical reporting principles and mentorship reinforces journalistic professionalism in regions that are often underserved by comprehensive environmental coverage.
Application Process and Deadline
Interested organisations must complete an online application detailing their project proposal, budget breakdown, implementation plan, and anticipated outcomes. Supporting documents and project samples that demonstrate editorial capability and relevance to forest governance themes should accompany submissions.
The application period is open until February 26, 2026. Prospective applicants are advised to prepare materials well in advance and ensure proposals meet all eligibility requirements and submission guidelines.
