Prime Progress, a media outfit, earlier today announced its Biodiversity Reporting Challenge—an initiative seeking innovative story ideas from journalists to address Nigeria’s pressing biodiversity issues.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Innocent Eteng, Editor-In-Chief, Prime Progress, on Monday in Lagos.
The statement disclosed that the challenge focuses on solutions journalism, tackling deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat loss from a creative, solution-driven perspective.
The statement said that the challenge would have the following service offerings:
- Two-day training workshop to enable participants gain in-depth knowledge about biodiversity challenges in Nigeria and learn how to craft impactful, solutions-oriented stories across formats (text, audio, video, and data).
- Story grant worth ₦220,000- the winning journalist will receive a grant to produce their story, showcasing efforts to protect Nigeria’s wildlife and biodiversity.
- Exclusive resources -access a reporting resource bank with tips and opportunities within the conservation space.
“Following the training, each applicant will be required to submit their story ideas as story pitches, which will be assessed by industry experts in the Nigerian biodiversity landscape,” Mr Eteng said.
According to him, the best idea will receive a N220,000 grant to bring their story to life.
The Editor in Chief urged eligible contestants to send an email containing the following:
- A 350-word letter of motivation.
- Applicants resume.
- Three samples of Applicant’ previous work to editor@primeprogressng.com and copy kingsley.c@primeprogressng.com
Edet also added that journalists from broadcast, print, and digital media are encouraged to apply; reiterating that the Deadline for application is November 26, 2024.
The statement also noted that Nigeria’s biodiversity faces a serious threat.
“In the past three decades, much of Nigeria’s wildlife has declined dramatically, with species like lions, elephants, gorillas, and chimpanzees nearing extinction.
“Fewer than 400 elephants remain in Nigeria, fewer than 100 Cross River gorillas, and about 50 lions still survive in Nigeria today.
“Nigeria has also emerged as a major transit hub for the trafficking of pangolin scales and ivory to Asia. 55 percent of pangolin-scale seizures worldwide between 2016 and 2019 were linked to Nigeria, according to the Wildlife Justice Commission
“Nigeria’s deforestation rate is ranked among one of the highest in the world at 3.7 percent annually, with 55.7 percent of its primary forests lost between 2000 and 2005.
“A lack of public awareness, weak legislation, and minimal enforcement have hindered efforts to combat biodiversity loss in Nigeria,” the statement added.
