The mission of the Institute for Journalism & Natural Resources is to promote public dialogue about natural resource issues through programs that inform, empower and inspire better journalism. 

IJNR conducts expedition-style programs of training and professional development for journalists at all career stages and from all sorts and sizes of news outlets—ranging from newspapers and magazines to radio, television and online operations. To supplement and reinforce its field-based training programs, IJNR conducts multi-day workshops and provides reporting awards to support on-the-ground journalism projects. IJNR also offers coaching and mentoring for journalists, along with access to web-based tools designed to support their ongoing work. 

Over time, the increased accuracy, depth and perspective in news coverage generated by these journalists help to promote greater public awareness, better-informed civic discourse, expanded citizen engagement, and more responsible decision-making.