The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) invites nominations for the 2026 Champions of the Earth award, which represents the UN’s highest environmental honor. The 2026 edition specifically focuses on leaders, organizations, and government entities worldwide that are driving efforts to protect and restore ocean health, including work in pollution prevention, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable blue economies. Candidates may be nominated in four categories: Policy Leadership, Inspiration and Action, Entrepreneurial Vision, and Science and Innovation. While the award provides global recognition and a platform to scale environmental solutions rather than a direct cash grant, it serves as a transformative career and organizational milestone. The deadline for nominations is 15 April 2026. UN Champions of the Earth
Category: Biodiversity, Conservation, Wildlife
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA) invite journalists to apply for a fellowship to cover the COP17 conference in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The program is open to professional staff or freelance journalists who work with recognized media outlets and are based in countries affected by desertification, land degradation, or drought. Six selected fellows will receive fully funded support, including return economy-class airfare to Mongolia, accommodation, and media accreditation to the conference. Participants will attend pre-conference virtual briefings, engage in a field visit with local communities, and are expected to produce at least three independent stories related to land restoration and drought resilience. The application deadline is 15 April 2026. COP17 Reporting Fellowship
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) invites applications from journalists to attend the 2026 Our Ocean Conference. The fellowship program supports professional journalists from low- and middle-income countries, with a particular focus on those from the Global South, to report on ocean conservation and marine policy. Selected fellows receive full sponsorship to attend the conference, including airfare, accommodation, meals, and travel insurance. In addition to covering the event, participants engage in preparatory workshops and receive mentorship from experienced environmental editors to strengthen their reporting on topics such as sustainable fisheries, marine protected areas, and climate resilience. The application deadline is 15 April 2026. Ocean Conference Fellowships
The Pulitzer Center invites applications for its Impact Seed Fund, which supports university educators and researchers in using Pulitzer Center-supported journalism to develop educational and engagement initiatives on environmental issues. The program focuses on topics such as oceans, rainforests, climate change, and transparency and governance, aiming to enrich academic discourse and community knowledge. Eligible applicants must be university professors or researchers based in Africa, Latin America, or Southeast Asia. Grants range from US$2,500 to US$4,000 to cover project costs, with implementation expected within six to eight months. The deadline for applications is 19 April 2026 for Africa and Latin America, and 03 May 2026 for Southeast Asia. Impact Seed Fund
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) invites nominations for its annual award recognizing master’s and PhD students who use biodiversity data in innovative research. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a graduate program and be citizens of a GBIF participant country or studying at an institution within one. The program provides two prizes of €5,000 each for research that demonstrates discovery in biodiversity informatics, such as taxonomy, ecology, or biogeography. The final deadline to submit nominations is 29 May 2026. Graduate Researchers Award
- Tags: awards/prizes, biodiversity, early-career, individuals, may2026, worldwide
Ford Central America and Caribbean invites non-profit organizations to apply for its environmental grant program to support community projects that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The program is open to legally constituted organizations with their own bank accounts operating in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. Projects must already be in the execution phase and fall into one of four categories: biodiversity conservation, food security, waste management, or renewable energy. While the specific total fund is not listed, the jury determines the amount awarded to each project for a twelve-month execution period, and funds cannot be used for operational salaries or travel. The application deadline for the current cycle is 31 May 2026. Environmental Grants
The Pulitzer Center invites applications for its Ocean and Fisheries Reporting Grant, which supports in-depth journalism on underreported issues such as illegal fishing, marine pollution, and the impacts of climate change on coastal communities. The program is open to all journalists, including staff reporters, freelancers, photographers, and filmmakers from any country. Proposed projects should focus on systemic threats to marine biodiversity or the global supply chains that drive resource depletion. Grant amounts typically range from US$5 thousand to US$15 thousand, covering hard reporting costs such as travel, lodging, and data analysis. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Ocean and Fisheries Reporting Grant
The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) invites proposals to enhance the conservation, restoration, and governance of seagrass ecosystems. This initiative supports applied, policy-relevant research designed to contribute to climate action and sustainable blue economy goals across the Western Indian Ocean region. Funding is available for up to two projects, with each eligible for a grant of up to EUR 150,000 (approximately CAN$220,000) for a 12-month implementation period. To be eligible, proposals must be submitted by a consortium of institutions from at least two of the following countries: Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, or Tanzania. The deadline for submitting proposals is 15 April 2026. Details here
The competition celebrates the hilarity of our natural world and highlights what we need to do to protect it through funny animal pictures. The competition is open to wildlife photography novices, amateurs, and professionals. Winners receive prizes (no cash awards). The deadline for entries is 30 June 2026. Comedy Wildlife
- Tags: awards/prizes, individuals, june2026, media/journalism, wildlife
The G20 Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) invites applications for the Coral Local Innovation Program (CLIP) to support research and development for coral conservation and restoration. This small grants program is open to organizations based in low- and middle-income countries, including non-profits, for-profit businesses, research institutes, and government agencies. The program provides up to US$100 thousand for projects lasting one to two years, with a requirement that the majority of funding be allocated to local individuals. The deadline for concept note submissions is 10 March 2026. Coral Local Innovation Program