In Latin America, biodiversity is as extraordinary as the threats to the environment. The combination of diverse ecosystems and abundant dangers, legal or illegal, makes the environment a fruitful topic for journalists, with plenty of stories from Patagonia to the Caribbean.
Several initiatives seek to encourage and reward environmental journalism. On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, which is celebrated annually on May 3, and considering this year’s theme, “Journalism in the face of the climate crisis”, we present a compilation of open opportunities for Latin American journalists reporting on the environment.
Opportunities range from reporting grants and mentorships for budding journalists to awards at various levels, available to both students and established professionals.
Below is a list of opportunities, organized from the most time-sensitive to those with deadlines that are farther out.
To call public attention to the global biodiversity crisis, which threatens the ecosystems on which everyone depends, the Earth Journalism Network (EJN), with support from the Arcadia Fund, has an open call to support reporting grants through its Biodiversity Media Initiative.
The grants aim to support impactful reporting that uses innovative approaches, including multimedia, collaborative efforts and data journalism. Little-publicized issues are prioritized, such as trade and trafficking in endangered species, emerging threats such as cryptocurrency mining and community-led conservation solutions.
Most grants must range between 1,000 and 2,000 euros, but some investigative reports can receive up to 5,000 euros for production.
Both early-career and experienced journalists are encouraged to apply, individually or as part of a group, and eligibility for the grants is extended to journalists and media professionals from low- to middle-income countries, with a particular focus on regions where grants have not yet been offered.
In Latin America, the notice explicitly mentions the preference for applications from journalists residing in Central America and the Caribbean, with an emphasis on the Dominican Republic and Honduras.
Texts can be written in any language, but anyone writing in a language other than English must also include an English translation.
More information about registrations can be found at this link
Climate Tracker opened registration for the sixth cycle of its Climate Journalism Mentorship Program, this time focused exclusively on professionals residing in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, coinciding with the imminent G20, scheduled for November this year in Rio de Janeiro.
During this cycle, journalists will be challenged to tell stories that address energy transition in Latin America in three high-impact reports.
Participants will receive personalized editorial support over four months, in addition to financial assistance and mentoring from renowned professionals in the region.
This edition of the program will be divided into two phases: the first will include live conversations on energy transition and climate change, followed by the selection of two proposals per country for the next phase.
In the second phase, the six selected journalists will participate in a period of practical and collective learning between June and August 2024, receiving a total financial incentive of US$900, group training sessions and personalized editorial support.
Both professionals working in media outlets and freelancers are welcome to apply, as long as they demonstrate prior experience in journalism and a clear interest in environmental and climate topics.
Read more information here (in Spanish)
The Serrapilheira Institute is receiving proposals for podcasts led by Black producers across Brazil, focusing on stories that highlight science and the scientific method. Up to eight projects will be selected, with teams going through a training program and receiving financial support to produce a season.
The call is exclusive to Black applicants and seeks projects that emphasize the importance of science, especially in areas supported by the Institute: life sciences, geosciences, physics, chemistry, computer science or mathematics
The initiative seeks to fill a gap in the representation of Black people in the journalism, audiovisual and podcast sectors, encouraging diversity in science and promoting equal opportunities.
Podcast proposals in different formats are accepted, but those with a well-developed script structure will have priority. Proposals may be in the design phase or already underway, as long as they include or improve the presence of science.
Read more information on the site (in Portuguese)
The Council for the Advancement of Science Writing (CASW) is inviting applications for the Sharon Begley Science Reporting Award.
To compete, journalists must be experienced professionals with extensive experience in scientific journalism, covering topics such as science, the environment, health, mathematics and technology through print, audio, video and online media.
The call states that to be eligible, applicants must have at least eight to 10 years of experience in journalism, including significant involvement in science reporting, or demonstrate equivalent commitment to the field.
The award aims to consider a diverse group of candidates and is open to journalists worldwide, with no application fee. All entries must have been published in English.
Online magazine Yale Environment 360's annual film contest, which honors the year's best environmental films from around the world, is accepting entries.
Works must focus on an environmental issue and be a maximum of 20 minutes long. Films that are financed by an organization or company and are primarily about that organization or company are not eligible.
The first place winner will receive US$3,000, second place US$2,000 and third place US$1,000. Winning entries will be posted on the Yale Environment 360 website.
The Pulitzer Center is accepting applications for its Ocean Reporting Network (ORN). The network aims to build a collaborative ecosystem of journalists from around the world to investigate harmful practices in the fishing and extractive sectors, systemic threats to marine biodiversity and coastal communities, as well as other issues such as pollution, climate change and illegal trafficking of Marine animals.
The initiative will support at least eight full-time fellows, across all continents, with an emphasis on training communities of journalists in the Global South. Fellows will work on individual and collaborative projects, supported by a team of experienced Pulitzer Center editors, as well as training in data, communications, and research.
Candidates must be experienced investigative journalists, both freelance and linked to a newsroom, with familiarity with ocean issues and their scientific, environmental, social, legal, political and commercial influences. The fellowships will cover the reporter's salary and provide additional support to the media outlet that employs the journalist or that agrees to host the fellow, as well as travel and other costs related to the investigation.
Submissions must include a detailed reporting project, a publication and distribution plan, a statement of purpose, among other documents. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in June or July, and the 12-month program begins on Aug. 1, 2024.
More information can be found here
Journalists from across Latin America and the Caribbean can apply for the CONNECTAS Fellowship, which is looking for proposals for reports, investigations and journalistic stories that address phenomena such as rising authoritarian discourse and politicians, threats to individual freedoms, abuses of economic groups, organized crime and crimes against the environment.
The selected projects will receive editorial support, funding of between US$1,000 and US$2,500 to produce the reporting and support for its dissemination at a regional level.
The reporting must present new and attractive information, contributing to the understanding of social phenomena of national and regional importance. Priority is given to reports that reveal abuses by agents of political and economic power and address structural problems in society.
The recipients will have four months to complete their investigations.
Read more about the fellowship here (in Spanish)
Journalists can compete for the Biophilia Award, established by the BBVA Foundation, in Spain, which aims to recognize contributions from the humanities, communication and social sciences that have shaped society's perspectives, conceptual structures and values in relation to the environment.
Competitors can cover a variety of disciplines, ranging, in addition to journalism, to philosophy, ethics, history, law, literary and artistic theory, anthropology, sociology and political science.
Submissions must refer to contributions completed by Dec. 31, 2023 and can be in various formats, such as reports, documentaries, essays, articles, monographs, legislative initiatives, multimedia materials, popular science books, exhibitions and activities on any media channel.
The winner will receive a bonus of 100,000 euros, a diploma and a commemorative work of art during a public ceremony.
More information is available here
Submissions are now open for the Society of Environmental Journalists awards, which honor journalistic content of exceptional quality on environmental issues.
Eligible participants include all journalists except members of the SEJ board, Awards Committee and society staff. Students are eligible for a separate category.
There are several categories, with separations for investigative reporting and beat reporting. Investigative reporting must disclose new facts about companies, government agencies or individuals and is divided into large and small newsroom categories.
Submissions must predominantly focus on environmental matters and be accessible to the general public through various media.
Submissions in languages other than English require accurate English translations. Group entries are permitted, with limitations on team composition and prize money distribution.
First place winners receive US $500, a trophy and an electronic banner, with second and third places also receiving recognition.
There is also the Nina Mason Pulliam Award, which celebrates the "best of the best" of the SEJ awards. In this case, the winner will receive US$10,000 and a trophy, as well as full registration, travel and accommodation to attend the 2025 SEJ conference in Arizona.
Read more information about the 2024 SEJ Awards
The last suggestion has no set deadline: the Pulitzer Center offers grants that accept applications on an ongoing basis. Among these, for example, is the grant for reporting on tropical forests in the Amazon, which looks for articles on the impacts of extractive industries on the local population and the environment, poor forest governance, carbon market initiatives or inspiring conservation initiatives .
For more information, visit the Pulitzer Center’s site
Know of any opportunities that didn’t make our list? Email us at latamjournalismreview@austin.utexas.edu.
