DEADLINE: EJN Virtual Media Workshop to Strengthen Reporting on Environmental Threats and Solutions in the Western Balkans

The Western Balkans are rich in diverse ecosystems, home to many unique and endemic species, such as the seldom sighted olm salamander, the Balkan lynx and rare species of tulips. In the region, nature plays a crucial role in the lives of everyday communities, shaping livelihoods, cultural identity, and wellbeing.

However, there are many looming and compounding threats to the region's ecological health, such as extreme weather, pollution, unchecked infrastructure development and weak law enforcement. Despite the numerous benefits that nature offers, which include climate change mitigation, and provision of food, shelter and medicine, it does not receive the attention it deserves in the media, with other topics frequently taking higher priority.

To address this gap, EJN’s Boosting Environmental Coverage in the Western Balkans project aims to deepen and diversify environmental storytelling and build the capacity of local journalists to report on under-reported threats to nature, as well as the solutions needed to protect and conserve the Western Balkans’ vital ecosystems.

Internews' Earth Journalism Network is hosting this workshop, Jan 28-29, 2026, which will offer journalists an introduction to biodiversity and its role in our world. The sessions will be structured as part-presentation and part-discussion. Participants will learn from media trainers, researchers, policymakers, civil society organizations and local communities working on biodiversity issues.

Following the workshop we will be awarding funds for stories on this topic, with attendees at the workshop receiving special consideration.

Accepted languages for applications: English

Deadline: November 12, 2025, 11:59 PM (Europe/Sarajevo)

More information.