Inclusive Water Governance Reporting Grants (Mekong region)

• Eligibility Criteria: This grant will be reserved for applicants from and covering Mekong countries: Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and/or Vietnam.
• Type of Funding: Grant
• Target Region: Asia
• Application Language: English

EJN is offering reporting grants to journalists from Mekong countries to support the production of in-depth stories on inclusive water governance in the Mekong Region.

For over 65 million people, the Mekong River isn’t just a body of water; it’s a lifeline that puts food on the table and provides a sense of economic stability through its massive fisheries and fertile banks. As we move through 2026, the Mekong has become much more than an environmental concern—it is now a high-stakes geopolitical puzzle.

With support from the Oxfam, EJN is pleased to offer up to 13 story grants on this round to selected journalists to report on transboundary water-related stories, especially those that explore and voice out marginalized groups such as women, youth and Indigenous people. In addition to funding, selected journalists will receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced journalists and EJN’s Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) specialist as a co-mentor through the story production process.

Thematics

For this grant opportunity, EJN is looking for pitches for in-depth stories with the use of multimedia tools such as satellite data, GIS, data visualization, photography and video, as well as collaborative, cross-border or investigative reporting approaches to strengthen and deepen coverage. Applications must address GESI as core components of water resources governance issues. EJN welcomes story ideas, including, but not limited to:

• Local water access
• Watershed or riverine protection
• Community-led water management
• Flood risk mitigation
• Community-driven water governance

Eligibility

• This grant will be reserved for applicants from and covering Mekong countries: Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and/or Vietnam.
• Groups of journalists are eligible. However, the application must be made in the name of one lead applicant. Lead applicants are responsible for communicating with EJN and receiving funds on the group’s behalf, if awarded.
• EJN will only be accepting applications in English.
• Applications are open to journalists working in any medium (online, print, television, radio) and other expert media practitioners with professional reporting experience.
• EJN welcomes applications from early-career journalists and experienced reporters with a track record of covering environmental issues.
• It encourags applications from freelance reporters and staff from all types of media organizations—international, national, local and community-based.

To apply and find out more about the application process and story logistics, please visit this page. The last date to apply is June 14, 2026, 11:59 PM (Asia/Bangkok time).