Organizations launch a training program for journalists covering biodiversity in the Amazon
The initiative includes scholarships for journalists, an in-person workshop on environmental data analysis and joint work with scientists
The Instituto Serrapilheira (“Serrapilheira Institute”, in English) and the Centro Latinoamericano de Investigación Periodística (El Clip) (“Latin American Center for Investigative Journalism – El Clip”, in English) have just launched a call for journalists to apply for investigative reporting grants on environmental data in the Amazon.
Journalism and Science
The initiative aims to unite journalism and science to deepen public understanding of the value of biodiversity, promoting effective conservation and restoration strategies.
A total of 12 journalists from across Latin America will be selected to participate in the program. The successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend of $600 (approximately R$3,300 at the current exchange rate) each, for three months.
In February 2025, they will also attend an in-person workshop in Rio de Janeiro, focused on data journalism training, specifically related to the Amazon region. The costs of accommodation and transportation will be covered by Serrapilheira.
During the workshop, the journalists will be guided by scientists in exploring a platform being developed by Serrapilheira, which aggregates data on Amazon biodiversity and its relationship with environmental services – the benefits provided by nature. After the course and the development of their reports, the stories will be published in media outlets across Latin America.
Focus on journalists from Amazonian countries
The call is aimed at reporters with investigative experience, preferably in environmental issues, or those who have previously reported on various topics in the Amazon (social, environmental, economic etc.).
The program is designed for professionals from Latin America, preferably from Amazonian countries (Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, French Guiana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela).
Both media-affiliated candidates and freelancers can apply, provided they present a letter of commitment from a media outlet interested in publishing the stories developed in partnership with El Clip.
To apply, candidates must submit proposals for investigative reporting based on data, with Amazonian biodiversity as the central theme. The projects should also demonstrate how the investigations will be structured around data and the potential for collaboration with colleagues from other countries.
The selected journalists will be announced on November 25th. The workshop is scheduled to take place from February 10th to 14th, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro. After the workshop, participants will have until May of the same year to produce and publish their reports.
Applications will be open from October 15th to November 5th. Click here to view the full call for applications.
