Investigative Environmental Journalism Network Seeks New Fellows

The Rainforest Investigations Network (RIN), now approaching its third year, is calling for applications for the 2023 cohort. Journalists experienced in environmental investigations and with an interest in covering the Amazon, the Congo Basin, or Southeast Asia are encouraged to submit proposals. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, December 15, 2022. Click here to apply.

In its first two years, RIN has already awarded 33 fellowships to journalists in 13 countries. Remarkable investigations have been published, casting an unprecedented eye on topics such as mining, food production, and land disputes in major regions affected by deforestation.

RIN has been recognized by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism and others as one of the most innovative networks in journalism because it encourages collaboration between journalists from different media and regions around the world. Together, Fellows investigate the environmental crimes that are worsening the situation of tropical forests and, consequently, reducing the world's room for maneuver in combating climate change.

This innovative environment has led to reports such as the collaboration between NBC News and the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) on deforestation resulting from the rapid expansion of nickel mining driven by the demand for electric vehicle batteries. It also led to The Intercept Brasil's collaboration with The New York Times, which revealed an extensive clandestine airstrip infrastructure in the Amazon supporting illegal mining.

Some of these reports have already received major awards in global journalism, such as Jessica Brice's reporting series for Bloomberg Businessweek, chosen as one of the best special features by the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ).

Part of an ecosystem of Pulitzer Center projects on rainforests, RIN is complementary to grants from the Rainforest Journalism Fund and is primarily dedicated to investigating the supply chains linked to rainforest destruction.

We welcome project proposals that focus on extractive industries, the failures of conservation policies in reserves and Indigenous territories, and investigations that reveal criminal groups' role in the Amazon, the Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia.

For a journalist to be able to delve into such complex areas and uncover the causes and actors behind environmental crimes, we believe that teamwork is necessary. Selected Fellows receive a year-round, full-time stipend, training, virtual and in-person meetings with network colleagues, and mentoring sessions with Pulitzer Center editors. They will also be invited to participate in educational and outreach events organized by our engagement team.

To learn more about the work of the Rainforest Reporters community, see the presentation below.