Call for applications: Prime Progress Biodiversity Reporting Challenge

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.

In a statement, it was noted that 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
The statement also noted that 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.

It added that against this backdrop, Prime Progress is excited to announce its biodiversity reporting challenge—an initiative seeking innovative story ideas from journalists to address Nigeria’s pressing biodiversity issues. This challenge focuses on solutions journalism, tackling deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat loss from a creative, solution-driven perspective.

According to the statement, “We are offering two-day training workshop: 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. The best idea will receive a N220,000 grant to bring their story to life.

“Applicants should send an email containing a 350-word letter of motivation, resume, and three samples of your previous work to editor@primeprogressng.com and copy kingsley.c@primeprogressng.com. Journalists in the broadcast, print and digital media are encouraged to apply. The deadline for application is November, 24, 2024.