Deadline: January 6, 2026
The EJN Forest Governance Story Grants 2025 is now open for applications, offering journalists around the world a significant opportunity to produce in-depth, high-quality stories on forest governance issues. Delivered through the Earth Journalism Network’s (EJN) Forest Governance Media Initiative (FGMI), this programme supports accurate, impactful journalism that highlights the complexities, challenges, and realities surrounding global forest governance.
About the Grant
The EJN Forest Governance Story Grants 2025 aims to strengthen the quality of reporting on forest governance by equipping journalists with funding and tailored mentorship. The programme will award up to seven (7) story grants, with an average budget of £1,500 per award. In addition to financial support, grantees will receive mentorship from experienced editors and thematic experts to guide the development and production of their stories.
Eligibility Criteria
The grant is open to journalists from any country, and applications are welcomed from individuals or groups (with one lead applicant). Proposals are accepted from reporters working across all media types, including:
- Online
- Radio
- Television
- Multimedia formats
All applications must be submitted in English.
Although the call is global, the programme places special emphasis on journalists reporting from:
- Cameroon
- Liberia
- Ghana
- Vietnam
- Indonesia
Journalists from the UK, EU Member States, China, Japan, India, and other regions are also eligible, particularly those interested in international forest governance processes and cross-border impacts.
Story Themes and Focus Areas
Proposals must address forest governance issues. EJN particularly encourages under-reported or overlooked story angles. Priority thematic areas include:
Indonesia
- Deforestation linked to palm oil, mineral mining, and land conversion
- Land and resource rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs)
- Forest governance reforms, including SVLK legality verification and FLEGT-licensed timber
- Gaps in forest law enforcement
- Social forestry and community-managed lands
Vietnam
- Timber trade regulation and implementation of the EU-Vietnam FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreement
- Benefit sharing with local communities
- REDD+ and forest-based climate policies
Cameroon
- Community forestry and governance challenges
- Illegal logging and forest-related crimes
- Cocoa farming and its impact on forested zones
- Implementation of REDD+ and sustainability programmes
- Enforcement barriers in forest management
Liberia
- Illegal logging and unregulated resource extraction
- Deforestation driven by mining operations
- Financial crimes and corruption linked to forest exploitation
- International trade policies affecting forest governance
Ghana
- Effects of gold mining and cocoa production on forest cover
- Timber trade regulation and challenges with FLEGT implementation
International Forest Governance
Journalists may also propose stories that explore:
- Global trade and its role in driving deforestation
- International agreements, including the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR)
- Global deforestation financing and accountability frameworks
- Biodiversity and climate-related international commitments
EJN strongly encourages stories offering fresh perspectives, nuanced analysis, or coverage of issues with limited public attention.
Publication Requirement
All applicants must provide a letter of support from an editor, confirming that the completed story will be published by September 2026. This commitment is mandatory.
Funding and Support
Each grantee will receive:
- A grant averaging £1,500
- Editorial mentorship throughout the reporting cycle
- Access to expert guidance and feedback
This support is designed to ensure that final stories are rigorous, well-researched, and grounded in local realities with global relevance.
Deadline
The application deadline is 6 January 2026.
How to Apply
Interested journalists are encouraged to prepare strong, well-structured proposals that demonstrate a clear reporting plan, research approach, and publication pathway.
Ready to Apply?
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Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
