CARACAS, WILLEMSTAD - Free Press Unlimited has issued a call for Venezuelan journalists to collaborate with colleagues from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Brazil, and Colombia to launch cross-border investigations focused on environmental issues. The initiative, known as the Fund for Cross-Border Environmental Investigative Journalism (FOMA), offers up to €12,000 in funding per research proposal.
This fund is specifically aimed at fostering collaborations between independent media in Venezuela and neighboring regions, with the goal of conducting in-depth journalistic investigations into environmental challenges in border areas. Encouraged topics include climate change, deforestation, pollution from oil extraction, and the impact of illegal economies in these regions. The initiative places a particular emphasis on environmental rights, sustainability, and the role of governments and the private sector in managing environmental resources.
Organization
Free Press Unlimited, a non-governmental organization based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is dedicated to promoting press freedom and access to reliable, independent information. The organization supports media and journalists worldwide, particularly in countries where press freedom is restricted. They believe that everyone has the right to access quality information and focus on strengthening independent journalism, professionalizing the press, and providing emergency assistance to journalists facing threats.
Their activities include safety training for journalists, assistance in creating independent media platforms, and promoting collaboration between media organizations. The overall aim is to give people access to information, helping them understand their rights, participate in decision-making, and contribute to a democratic society.
Research Proposals
Journalists interested in applying for this fund must submit their research proposals by October 31. The jury, made up of international experts, will evaluate proposals based on relevance, quality, and feasibility, also taking into account team composition and formats used. Innovative approaches and efforts to reach audiences that typically have limited access to such information will be given special consideration.
Free Press Unlimited hopes that this initiative will strengthen independent media in Venezuela and foster collaboration among journalists in neighboring countries. Through this fund, they aim to bring to light stories that might otherwise go unheard, with the ultimate goal of raising public awareness about urgent environmental issues in the region.
The selected proposals will be announced by the end of November, with the resulting publications expected to be completed within six months.