The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) Mediterranean Media Initiative Oceanic Crime & Ecoviolence Investigation Partnership Call 2023 is now open. In the isolation of the deep blue sea, crimes easily go unnoticed:  overfishing, coerced labor, and dead discards of protected species thrive in this space. Illegal fishing in particular is a notorious form of transnational violence and vessels, including trawlers, regularly cross into protected territories, benefiting from loopholes to avoid getting caught.

EJN’s Mediterranean Media Initiative is looking to support investigations, especially those that are transboundary, which seek to expose unauthorized fishing by industrial or semi-industrial vessels, as well as other harmful environmental practices impacting the marine environment. The types of investigations they are looking to support would place these issues within the wider context of anthropogenic stressors such as biodiversity loss, climate change and increased pollution and their impact on human security and environmental justice.

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Grant for EJN Mediterranean Media Initiative

• They expect to award 5 grants with a budget of up to 4,000 Euros each.

Eligibility for EJN Mediterranean Media Initiative

• Applicants may come from any country bordering the Mediterranean Sea.
• Groups of journalists are eligible; however, the application must be made in the name of one lead applicant. Lead applicants are responsible for communicating with EJN and receiving funds on the group’s behalf, if awarded.
• For the purposes of this grant opportunity, they will only be accepting written applications in English or French. Unfortunately, they do not have the capacity to consider applications in other languages at this time. Applicants must have a working understanding of English and French. The story can be published in the local language.
• Applications are open to journalists working in any medium (online, print, television, radio) and other expert media practitioners with professional reporting experience. They welcome applications from early-career journalists and experienced reporters with a track record of environmental issues. They encourage applications from freelance reporters and staff from all types of media organizations – international, national, local and community-based.
• EJN reserves the right to disqualify applicants from consideration if they have been found to have engaged in unethical or improper professional conduct.

Judging Criteria

Applicants should consider the following points when devising their story proposals.

• Relevance: Does the proposal meet the criteria and objectives of the call? Why does this story matter and to whom? Is the main idea, context and overall value to the target audience clearly defined?
• Angle: If the story has been covered, does your proposal bring new insights to the topic or offer a fresh angle?
• Impact: Does the proposal have a compelling narrative or investigative element that will inform and engage, draw attention, trigger debate and spur action?
• Innovative storytelling: The use of creative approaches, multimedia and data visualization will be considered a plus.
• Plan for timely publication: Reporters, whether freelance or employed at a media outlet, will need to include a letter of support from an editor in their application, committing to publish the stories by September 30, 2023.

Application of EJN Mediterranean Media Initiative

Application deadline is March 31, 2023. They plan to issue grants in April 2023 with the expectation that all stories will be published by September 30, 2023 at the latest. Applicants should consider this timeline when drafting their workplan and each grant has a maximum 6 month-timeline.

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Lastly, It is important to visit the official website link found below to access the application form.

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