Deadline: November 26, 2025
The EJN Virtual Media Workshop 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for journalists across the Western Balkans to enhance their skills in biodiversity reporting while gaining access to funding and mentorship for impactful media projects. Hosted by the Earth Journalism Network (EJN), this two-day virtual workshop provides practical knowledge, expert guidance, and resources to help journalists tell compelling stories about nature, conservation, and sustainable solutions. Participants will engage in discussions with media trainers, researchers, policymakers, civil society representatives, and local communities, creating a dynamic learning environment.
This initiative is designed not only to train journalists but also to provide grants for high-quality projects, ensuring stories about biodiversity reach wider audiences and inspire action.
About the EJN Virtual Media Workshop 2026
The workshop is set to take place virtually on 28–29 January 2026 and focuses on critical themes in biodiversity and environmental journalism. Key areas covered include:
- Understanding biodiversity, ecosystems, and ecosystem services
- The interconnections between biodiversity, climate change, and human health
- International and regional biodiversity policies, including the Ramsar Convention and EU accession rules
- Conservation tools, such as protected areas and nature-based solutions
- Biodiversity credits and offsets
- Emerging technologies for monitoring biodiversity, including satellite imagery and AI tools
Grant Opportunities
Following the workshop, 10–12 grants will be awarded to journalists for in-depth stories that highlight threats to biodiversity and showcase solutions with real-world impact. The grants aim to support journalists in producing high-quality multimedia content, covering travel costs, reporter stipends, and technical resources such as video and photography equipment. Recipients will also benefit from one-on-one editorial mentorship with experienced journalists to refine their work and ensure its impact.
Eligibility Criteria
Journalists from the following countries in the Western Balkans are eligible to apply:
- Albania
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Croatia
- North Macedonia
- Montenegro
- Serbia
- Kosovo
Additional requirements include:
- Working in any medium (print, online, radio, TV)
- Both early-career and experienced journalists, including freelance reporters, are welcome
- Applications must be submitted in English
- Transparent disclosure of any use of generative AI tools in journalistic work
Application Requirements
Applicants will need to submit:
- A completed application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Relevant writing samples or portfolio
- Project outline and proposed budget
- Plan describing the use of the grant
All proposals must clearly indicate whether and how generative AI tools will be used, ensuring ethical journalistic practices.
Workshop Benefits
Participants of the EJN Virtual Media Workshop 2026 will receive:
- Comprehensive training in biodiversity reporting
- Networking opportunities with experts, peers, and policymakers
- A certificate of completion for attending both days
- Access to grant funding and mentorship for in-depth reporting projects
Timeline & Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 26 November 2025
- Workshop Dates: 28–29 January 2026
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their submissions well in advance to meet the deadline.
Selection Process
Grant recipients and workshop participants will be selected based on:
- Relevance and originality of proposed story ideas
- Feasibility and clarity of the project plan
- Demonstrated journalistic experience and skills
- Commitment to ethical practices, including proper disclosure of AI tools
Additional Information
The EJN Virtual Media Workshop 2026 is fully virtual, eliminating travel barriers and making it accessible to journalists across the region. Successful participants will be expected to attend both days to receive their certificate of completion. The combination of training, funding, and mentorship ensures that stories produced through this programme are impactful and professionally polished.
Host Organisation
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is a global initiative dedicated to supporting journalists reporting on environmental issues, including biodiversity, climate change, and conservation. EJN provides training, mentorship, and funding opportunities to strengthen the quality and reach of environmental journalism worldwide.
How to Apply
Journalists interested in participating in the EJN Virtual Media Workshop 2026 can [apply here] for the workshop and grants.
To learn more about the programme and detailed requirements, visit [read more about the programme].
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(contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review)
