RThe Ghana Agricultural and Rural Development Journalists Association (GARDJA), in partnership with the Earth Journalism Network (EJN), invites journalists in Ghana to submit story proposals for media grants under the “Save Our Seas” Project. The project seeks to support high-quality journalism that raises awareness, informs public debate, and promotes accountability regarding marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and ocean governance in Ghana. Selected journalists will receive financial support to produce in-depth stories across media platforms including radio, television, newspapers, online news platforms, and multimedia formats.
Background
Oceans and coastal ecosystems are vital to food security, livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and economic development. In Ghana, thousands of coastal communities depend on fisheries and marine resources for their livelihoods. However, marine ecosystems are under increasing pressure due to overfishing, illegal fishing practices, marine pollution, coastal degradation, and climate change. Globally, more than 190 countries have committed to protecting 30 percent of the world’s land and ocean areas by 2030 under the 30×30 target of the Global Biodiversity Framework. Achieving this target requires improved governance of marine resources, stronger enforcement of conservation measures, and greater public awareness of ocean issues. Journalists play a critical role in informing citizens, amplifying the voices of coastal communities, scrutinizing policy implementation, and highlighting solutions to environmental challenges. Through the Save Our Seas Project, GARDJA and EJN aim to strengthen environmental journalism in Ghana by supporting the production of compelling stories that shed light on the state of Ghana’s oceans and the efforts needed to protect them.
Types of stories to be supported
Journalists are encouraged to submit reporting proposals that explore complex marine issues. Proposed stories may cover, but are not limited to:
Ghana’s progress toward achieving the 30×30 Marine Conservation Target, as well as implementation of fisheries and marine protection policies, and budgetary allocations.
The state of Ghana’s marine ecosystems and biodiversity and the impact of declining fish stocks on coastal livelihoods.
Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in Ghana, including bottom trawling, light fishing, the use of destructive gear, overfishing, gaps in enforcement of marine laws, regulations and policies, among others.
Impact of plastic pollution and industrial waste contamination on marine ecosystems.
Climate impacts on fisheries and marine biodiversity, and adaptation strategies by coastal communities.
Tracking impact of EU Yellow Card initiative on Ghana’s fishing sector.
Successes and challenges with implementation of closed season.
Other thought-provoking marine related ideas are also welcome.
What the pitch proposal should include
Applicants must submit a story proposal (pitch) of no more than 3 pages that includes the following:
1) Brief introduction of the applicant (Name, media organization’s reach and impact, years of experience in practice, samples of previous journalistic work that align with this call, etc)
2) Story idea: A concise description explaining the story idea.
3) Key questions: A summary of the central questions the story aims to answer.
4) Relevance: An explanation of how the story aligns with the objectives of the 30×30 target of the Global Biodiversity Framework, and why the story is important for Ghana’s development.
5) Reporting plan: Locations to be covered, key sources to be interviewed and data or research to be consulted, timelines for production and airing, among others.
6) Expected impact: The likely impact the story will make upon broadcast or publication.
7) Budget: A brief budget detailing funding support needed.
Judging Criteria
Proposals will be reviewed by an independent panel based on the following criteria:
Relevance to marine conservation
Originality and strength of proposal
Thoroughness (depth) of proposed investigative work
Commitment to balance (featuring all possible sides of the story to make it comprehensive)
Potential to influence public awareness and policy dialogue
Realistic reporting plan and timeline
Creative storytelling approaches
Applicant’s experience and ability to execute the proposal
How to Apply
Send your proposals to the project administrator of GARDJA Reuben Nana Yaw Quainoo via nanayaw2010@rocketmail.com or apply on www.gardjagh.org before the close of day on Friday, 31st March 2026 to be considered. You can also reach out to him for any clarification via email or on 0240763318. The screening team will reach out to those who are selected in the first week of April 2026 with feedback
