Call for Proposals: Environmental Journalism Grants – Democratic Republic of Congo

Environmental Defenders aims to strengthen the role of journalism as a tool for resistance, transparency, and environmental justice. Selected journalists will receive editorial and logistical support, and, if necessary, digital and physical security advice.

Priorities

• Among the priority themes of the call for projects are:
  • The impacts of gold mining on watersheds
  • The effects on human health in mining areas
  • The illegal trade in wildlife (pangolins, chimpanzees, ivory)
  • Deforestation and unsustainable exploitation of rare woods
  • Violations of indigenous land rights
  • The links between criminal networks, armed militias and protected forests
  • The dangers faced by eco-guards and community activists
  • The consequences of armed conflicts on conservation.

Funding Information

• The program aims to support 10 Congolese journalists with a grant of US$500 each to produce original, in-depth, and investigative reporting on environmental issues and the rights of local communities.

Eligibility Criteria

• Congolese journalists (freelance or employed, local or international media)
• Preferably based in North Kivu, Ituri, Tshopo or Haut-Uele
• Special encouragement to women journalists, as well as professionals working in rural areas or with indigenous communities.

Application Requirements

• Submissions may be written articles (800 to 2,500 words), radio or podcast reports (10 to 30 minutes), or video documentaries (5 to 15 minutes).
• Submissions must be original and unpublished.
• A topic proposal (2 pages max) with objectives, justification, method and expected results.
• An updated CV
• Two samples of previous work (links or files)
• A letter of recommendation from the editorial supervisor.
• Applications are accepted in French or English.

For more information, visit Environmental Defenders.