The Colonist Report Africa invites Nigerian journalists to apply for a fully-funded, in-person training workshop on marine conservation and the global 30×30 ocean protection target.

This training is supported by the Earth Journalism Network and is designed to help Nigerian journalists better understand how marine conservation policies affect coastal ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

The programme will bring together selected journalists for practical learning, discussions, and hands-on training focused on reporting environmental issues affecting Nigeria’s coastal and marine areas.

About The Colonist Report Africa

The Colonist Report Africa is an independent investigative media organisation focused on environmental, climate, and energy reporting across Africa. Our work highlights underreported environmental issues and amplifies the voices of communities that are often overlooked.

We focus particularly on communities that are directly affected by environmental change but rarely represented in national conversations. Through data-driven journalism and the use of emerging technology, we work to hold institutions accountable and strengthen public understanding of environmental issues.

Why this training matters

The global 30×30 target aims to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by the year 2030. Achieving this goal in Nigeria requires strong reporting that looks not only at policy commitments but also at what is happening in coastal communities where these conservation efforts will have real impact.

Through this training, we aim to support journalists who are interested in reporting on marine conservation, coastal livelihoods, environmental governance, and the realities facing communities living near Nigeria’s oceans and waterways.

We are looking to select 20 to 25 Nigerian journalists who are interested in strengthening their knowledge and reporting skills on marine conservation and the 30×30 goal.

Training details

Selected participants will attend a four-day in-person training in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The workshop will provide practical knowledge and tools that journalists can use to report more effectively on marine conservation and coastal environmental issues. The training will cover:

• Understanding the 30×30 target
  Participants will learn about the global commitment to protect thirty per cent of marine ecosystems by 2030 and what this means for Nigeria.
• Investigative environmental reporting
  Sessions will explore how journalists can track environmental activities, identify important sources, and report on marine resource management.
• Digital and research tools for environmental journalism
  Participants will learn how to use modern reporting tools, including artificial intelligence tools, satellite imagery, and environmental data sources, to support their investigations.
• Reporting with coastal communities
  The training will also focus on ethical and responsible reporting when covering marginalised and hard-to-reach communities whose livelihoods depend on marine resources.

What the programme covers

The training is fully funded for selected participants. This includes:

• Travel support for all selected journalists to attend the training.
• Accommodation in Port Harcourt for participants coming from outside Rivers State.
• Meals throughout the training period
• Following the training, we plan to support 8 to 12 strong story ideas from participating journalists through small reporting grants.

Story pitch guidelines

• Story ideas should focus on issues related to marine conservation and the 30×30 goal within the journalist’s state or community.
• Stories should be feasible to report and publish within three months.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to support stories that require travel outside the journalist’s state of residence.
• However, journalists from different states may collaborate on a joint story if the issue affects communities in both locations.

Selection priorities

Priority will be given to applicants who:

• Have strong story ideas related to marine conservation and the 30×30 goal.
• Live or report in coastal or environmentally affected areas
• Have an interest in learning more about marine conservation issues, even if they have not reported on the topic before

Eligibility requirements

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Journalism experience
  Early- to mid-career journalists who have experience reporting on community issues, environmental topics, or public interest stories.
• Work samples
  Applicants must submit three examples of investigative or in-depth reporting. These can be provided as links or uploaded documents.
• Statement of interest
  Applicants should submit a short statement of about 300 words explaining why they want to participate in the training and how it will help them report on issues affecting their communities.
• Editorial support
  Staff reporters must provide a letter from their editor or media organisation confirming permission to attend the training and publish the story produced from the fellowship.

Freelance journalists should provide a letter of interest from a media organisation willing to consider publishing their story.

The letter should also confirm that if a reporting grant is awarded, the story will acknowledge The Colonist Report Africa and the Earth Journalism Network in this format: [This story was produced with support from The Colonist Report Africa as part of a marine conservation reporting initiative funded by the Earth Journalism Network] and The Colonist Report Africa and its partners are free to promote and/or republish the story across their platforms.

Key dates

• Application deadline: April 20, 2026
• Selected participants notified: May 31, 2026
• Expected training dates: June 8 to June 11, 2026
• Location: Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Please note that the training dates may be adjusted if necessary.

How to apply

• All interested applicants must complete the application form here:
• Click here to Apply Now

Only successful candidates will be contacted.