Empowering Voices: Barak-Meghna River Basin Storytellers Fellowship 2025 Opens Applications
The Barak-Meghna River Basin Storytellers Fellowship 2025 is now accepting applications, offering a unique opportunity for young storytellers from India and Bangladesh to document critical environmental and social issues within the basin. This initiative aims to amplify narratives around climate change, water governance, and community resilience through various creative mediums.
About The Fellowship
Organized by IUCN‘s BRIDGE GBM initiative, this fellowship seeks to cultivate compelling, community-led stories that shed light on the Barak-Meghna River Basin. The program supports young individuals, preferably under 35, who are filmmakers, photographers, researchers, writers, or digital influencers. Fellows will receive mentorship, financial assistance, and a platform to disseminate their work across various media channels.
Key Objectives
The fellowship is designed to achieve several crucial objectives:
- Research & Awareness: Utilize visual media to highlight pressing issues such as floods, pollution, and erosion.
- Policy & Advocacy: Promote the voices of youth and indigenous communities in river governance discussions.
- Community Engagement: Showcase Nature-based Solutions (NbS) implemented by local stakeholders.
Thematic Areas
Fellows are encouraged to explore a range of themes, including:
- Water justice and inclusive governance
- Youth and women-led climate resilience initiatives
- Ecosystem restoration for sustainable futures
- Sustainability and water security
Fellowship Details
- Grant Amount: Up to €1,500
- Duration: 6 months
- Reporting: Fellows are required to submit periodic updates, a mid-term report, and a final impact report.
- Selection: Two fellows will be selected from each country (India and Bangladesh).
- Support: Selected candidates will participate in an orientation session and receive ongoing mentorship from Youth for Meghna (Y4M) and IUCN partners.
Eligibility Criteria
Prospective applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Age: 18 to 35 years old
- Nationality/Residence: Citizen or resident of India or Bangladesh
- Fields: Experience in environmental storytelling, journalism, communication, photography, filmmaking, or relevant research
- Desirable: Prior experience with the Barak-Meghna River Basin or established local networks is a plus.
Application Process
The application deadline is June 20, 2025. Applicants must submit their proposals and supporting documents via a Google Form. Required submissions include:
- Personal details
- Educational and professional background
- A detailed project proposal (including theme, objectives, format, anticipated impact, and dissemination platforms)
- A proposed timeline and budget
- An updated CV
It is important to note that the proposed output should focus on practical solutions and awareness, rather than activism.
Selection And Evaluation
A panel comprising representatives from IUCN and Youth for Meghna will evaluate proposals based on:
- Creativity and innovation
- Feasibility of implementation
- Inclusivity and potential impact
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a virtual interview, with final selections announced publicly, followed by the signing of fellowship agreements.
Sources
- Call for Applications: Barak-Meghna River Basin Storytellers Fellowship 2025, Opportunities for Youth.
