Marine Conservation Media Bags 30×30 represent a crucial opportunity for journalists and media professionals in Cape Verde who wish to expand their coverage of the protection of marine ecosystems. Organised by Earth Journalism Network (EJN), these grants aim to support the production of investigative and high-impact reports on the global target of protecting 30% of the oceans and terrestrial areas by 2030 (an initiative known as ‘30×30’).
As an archipelagic state with a high level of biodiversity, Cape Verde occupies a strategic yet vulnerable position in the Central Atlantic. The sea is at the heart of the economy, culture and livelihoods of local communities. However, challenges such as overfishing, plastic pollution, unsustainable tourism and the severe impacts of climate change threaten the country’s marine species and habitats, from turtle nesting sites to the feeding grounds of sharks and whales.
This funding initiative aims to equip Cape Verdean media professionals to report critically on how the authorities and communities are working to establish marine protected areas. The selected projects will receive financial support to cover the costs of travelling to the various islands, conducting field research and producing multimedia content. In addition, grant recipients will be mentored by senior environmental journalists to ensure the technical and editorial accuracy of their stories.
The call for applications is aimed at journalists at the start or in the middle of their careers, freelancers and local media organisations based in Cape Verde that demonstrate a passion for environmental issues and have a clear plan for public distribution.
