Applications Invited for Ocean Media Initiative Story Grant 2023: Reporting on Marine Pollution

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About the Organization

Internews initially developed the Earth Journalism Network (EJN) in 2004 to enable journalists from developing countries to cover the environment more effectively. We are now a truly global network working with reporters and media outlets in virtually every region of the world. In our mission to improve the quantity and quality of environmental reporting, EJN trains journalists to cover a wide variety of issues, develops innovative online environmental news sites and produces content for local media – including ground-breaking investigative reports. We also establish networks of environmental journalists in countries where they don't exist and build their capacity where they do. We do so through workshops and the development of training materials and by offering Fellowship programs, grants to media organizations, story stipends, and support for story production and distribution. Watch the video above to learn more about our work.

About the Grant

EJN is offering reporting grants to journalists worldwide to support the production of in-depth stories on the sources and impacts of different forms of marine pollution and solutions to curb them.

By 2050, it is expected there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans. Every year, over 1 million marine species (including mammals, fish, sharks, turtles, and seabirds) are killed due to plastic debris in the ocean. The ocean, already under stress from climate change, is the ultimate sink for many pollutants besides plastics (and increasingly, microplastics), including sewage, radioactive waste, industrial and agricultural chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides, and oil spills.

Other lesser-known threats include light, thermal and noise pollution – as coastal development and human activities such as shipping, military operations, desalination, mining and energy exploration underwater threatens the survival of marine species. The health of the ocean determines the health of the planet, however, marine conservation does not elicit the attention – and urgent action – it needs.

To fill this gap, EJN’s global Ocean Media Initiative, with support from the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, aims to increase the quality and quantity of ocean pollution-related stories in the media; and build the capacity of journalists to improve their coverage of this topic, and hold policymakers to account.

EJN is pleased to offer ~8 story grants to selected journalists to report on the impacts of marine pollution in their region. In addition to funding, selected journalists will receive support from experienced mentors through the story production process. Interested applicants are also encouraged to join OceanNet, an online discussion group hosted by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network for journalists who report on ocean issues.

Story themes:

We welcome story ideas that focus on marine pollution – its sources, impacts on ecosystems and marine species; and ongoing efforts to curb and regulate sources of marine pollution.

Journalists may explore the impacts of improper waste disposal, agricultural runoff, drilling for oil and gas, mining, shipping and other anthropogenic activities that are contributing to this crisis. Stories should highlight research and initiatives – either proposed or in effect – to curb the impacts of marine pollution. Solutions stories should explore policy and governance measures at the local, national and international level, while highlighting the challenges inherent to addressing these issues.

We aim to support the production of stories that raise awareness about marine pollution and drive conversation among communities and policymakers at the local, national, and regional level. We are particularly interested in cross-border collaborations and stories. Proposals that focus on topics or stories that have not been widely covered are preferred. Issues that have already received a lot of media coverage or don't provide unique angles to environmental or climate challenges are less likely to be selected.

We plan to issue ~8 grants of approximately $1,200 each by late February 2023 with the expectation that all stories will be published by October 30, 2023 at the latest.

Eligibility

Applicants can be from any country in the world; applicants from coastal countries reporting on their home communities are preferred.

Please note that journalists who have already received an Ocean Media Initiative (High Seas) reporting grant from EJN in 2022 or who have an active grant as part of any EJN program are not eligible for this opportunity. Journalists who have received EJN support in the past are welcome to apply, and their past performance will be taken into account.

Groups of journalists are eligible, particularly from different countries seeking to produce a cross-border project. However, the application must be made in the name of one lead applicant. Lead applicants are responsible for communicating with EJN and receiving funds on the group’s behalf, if awarded.

For the purposes of this grant opportunity, we will only be accepting applications in English. Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to consider applications in other languages at this time. Applicants must either have a working understanding of English or have a translator available to assist with communication with Internews staff.

Applications are open to journalists working in any medium (online, print, television, radio) and other expert media practitioners with professional reporting experience and a history of covering ocean issues. We encourage applications from freelance reporters and staff from all types of media organizations – international, national, local and community-based.

EJN reserves the right to disqualify applicants from consideration if they have been found to have engaged in unethical or improper professional conduct.

How to Apply

• Click the 'Apply now' button.
• If you have an existing account, you'll need to log in. Since we recently updated our website, you might have to reset your password by clicking the “Forgot password?” link in the log in page. If you don’t have an account, you must register by clicking “Log in” on the top right of the page and click the “Sign up” link at the bottom of the page that opens. Click here for detailed instructions on how to create an account, and here for detailed instructions on how to reset your password. 
• If you start the application and want to come back and complete it later, you can click 'Save Draft.' To return to the draft, you'll need to go back to the opportunity and click 'Apply now' again to finalize the application. Applications should provide a detailed budget in an Excel spreadsheet with justification for the amount requested. Download the budget template now by clicking on this link.

Deadline: 13 February 2023, 11:59 PM, Pacific/Niue (UTC -11)

For more information please check the Link

Tags Environment and Sustainability Journalism/ Reporting Others