Storytelling Fellowship for Environmental Journalists in West Africa
Environmental journalism remains essential in highlighting environmental degradation, climate-related challenges, social injustices, and restrictions on media freedom throughout Africa. Recognizing the increasing risks faced by journalists covering environmental issues, the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), with support from the UNESCO Global Media Defence Fund (GMDF), has launched a six-month Storytelling Fellowship for Environmental Journalists in West Africa.
The fellowship aims to strengthen investigative reporting skills, improve awareness of journalist safety, and support the production of impactful stories that examine threats, intimidation, and violence directed at environmental journalists.
Enhancing Environmental Reporting Capacity
This initiative is designed to equip journalists with advanced investigative techniques while offering mentorship and professional guidance throughout the fellowship period. As environmental reporting continues to expose journalists to various risks, the program seeks to improve reporting quality and strengthen protections for media practitioners.
The fellowship focuses on building investigative reporting capacity, promoting journalist safety, encouraging accountability journalism, supporting ethical reporting practices, and improving environmental news coverage across the region.
The program forms part of broader international efforts to safeguard journalists reporting on environmental crimes, climate change, natural resource exploitation, and human rights concerns.
About the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development
CJID is a prominent media development and innovation organization in West Africa that works to advance investigative journalism, media literacy, democratic governance, human rights reporting, election coverage, and journalist welfare. Through its various initiatives, the organization has contributed significantly to strengthening journalism and promoting sustainable development across Africa.
Fellowship Goals
The fellowship is intended to strengthen environmental journalism by providing participants with specialized training and professional support. Its objectives include enhancing investigative reporting skills, supporting coverage of attacks against environmental journalists, producing high-impact investigative stories, improving publication standards, and promoting best practices in environmental reporting.
In addition, the fellowship seeks to foster collaboration and networking among journalists working in challenging and high-risk reporting environments.
Eligibility Requirements
Applications are open to professional journalists living in Ghana, Liberia, The Gambia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. Freelance and independent journalists are also encouraged to apply.
The organizers particularly welcome applications from women journalists, environmental reporters, investigative journalists, and independent media professionals.
Fellowship Schedule
The fellowship will run for six months, from July 2026 through December 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by 8 June 2026. Prospective applicants are advised to apply well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute difficulties.
Application Procedure
Applicants must complete an online application form and provide relevant personal and professional information. Required details include the applicant’s name, gender, email address, phone number, country of residence, and links to professional profiles or social media accounts.
Applications will be submitted through a Google Form managed by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development.
Selection Criteria
All applications will be carefully reviewed by the fellowship selection committee. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants must ensure that every section of the application form is completed, as incomplete submissions may not be considered.
The organizers stress the importance of providing complete and accurate information during the application process.
Importance of Environmental Journalism
Environmental journalists play a crucial role in exposing issues such as illegal mining, deforestation, climate change impacts, environmental corruption, pollution, wildlife crimes, and conflicts over land and natural resources. Reporting on these topics often involves investigating powerful actors and interests, which can place journalists at significant risk.
Programs like the CJID Storytelling Fellowship help strengthen the resilience of the media sector while encouraging reporting that promotes transparency, accountability, and environmental justice.
Fellowship Benefits
Participants selected for the fellowship will receive mentorship, investigative journalism training, guidance on story development, support in applying international reporting standards, networking opportunities with fellow media professionals, and opportunities to strengthen their storytelling and digital journalism skills.
These benefits are expected to contribute to a stronger environmental journalism landscape throughout West Africa.
Promoting Press Freedom and Accountability
The collaboration between CJID and the UNESCO Global Media Defence Fund reflects a growing international commitment to protecting journalists, defending media freedom, supporting investigative journalism, advancing democratic accountability, and contributing to sustainable development goals.
For journalists interested in environmental reporting and public-interest journalism, the fellowship offers a valuable opportunity to enhance their skills while contributing to important environmental and social issues.
