Applications are now open for the UNCCD COP17 Land and Drought Media Reporting Fellowship 2026 for Journalists (Fully Funded to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia). This program offers six spots to professional journalists from countries hit hard by desertification, land degradation, and drought. The event runs from 17-28 August 2026 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. You must apply by 23:59 GMT on 15 April 2026. The fellowship covers all costs, including travel, lodging, and field trips. Land and drought issues affect food security and global resilience, but they get too little news coverage. This article covers who can apply, what you get, your duties, the timeline, and how to submit.
The UNCCD and the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA) started this fellowship to increase reporting on land pressures, drought resilience, and vital ecosystems. UNCCD COP17 lines up with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026. That year spotlights how rangelands support food security, jobs, nature protection, and climate efforts.
Key Takeaways
- The fellowship offers six fully funded spots for professional journalists from countries facing desertification, land degradation, or drought.
- Benefits include economy flights, hotel stays, COP17 accreditation, expert briefings, and a field trip in Mongolia.
- Fellows must produce at least three stories: one before, one during, and one after COP17, with one focusing on drought solutions.
- Applications close on April 15, 2026; submit work samples, an editor letter, story proposals, media reach details, and your CV.
Here are the main eligibility rules:
- Professional journalists, either staff or freelance, with experience in environment, climate, agriculture, development, food systems, business, or similar topics.
- You must work for a recognized media outlet.
- Be based in countries facing desertification, land degradation, or drought.
- Show interest in how environmental changes link to social and economic issues.
- Have strong English skills to follow briefings and talks. Selected fellows will come from different regions and speak UN languages like Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish.
The fellowship provides these key benefits:
- Access to UNCCD experts and pre-COP virtual briefings to build knowledge on main issues.
- Return economy-class flight to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
- Hotel stay from 21-28 August 2026.
- COP17 media accreditation.
- A field visit in Mongolia to meet local communities.
Fellows agree to these tasks:
- Join pre-COP virtual briefings with experts.
- Attend COP17 in Ulaanbaatar and report from there.
- Create at least three independent stories: one before COP17, one during, and one after that ties global talks to local issues.
- Include at least one story on solutions for drought resilience, sustainable land management, or restoration.
- Keep full editorial independence and journalistic standards.
To apply, submit these items:
- Three samples of your best published work on related topics.
- A letter from your editor promising to run your COP17 stories.
- A short proposal for three story ideas, with one set before COP17.
- Details on your media outlet’s reach, like audience size and where readers are.
- Your CV or resume.
| Milestone | Date/Details |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 16 March 2026 |
| Application deadline | 23:59 GMT on 15 April 2026 |
| Selected fellows notified | End of April 2026 |
| Pre-COP briefings | May-June 2026 |
| COP17 reporting | August 2026 |
With applications open now—since today is 24 March 2026—you have time to prepare. UNCCD COP17 pushes forward fixes for land restoration, drought resilience, and ecosystems that support lives worldwide. It focuses on underreported topics like desertification, land degradation, and rangelands. Strong media coverage helps spread these urgent stories.
The UNCCD COP17 Land and Drought Media Reporting Fellowship gives journalists a chance to cover key issues like desertification, land degradation, and drought resilience at a global event in Mongolia. With full funding and expert support, selected fellows will create stories that highlight solutions for food security and ecosystems. Apply by April 15, 2026, to join this important program and amplify underreported stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the UNCCD COP17 fellowship?
Professional journalists from countries affected by desertification, land degradation, or drought, with experience in environment or related topics and strong English skills.
What does the fellowship cover?
It includes return economy flights to Ulaanbaatar, hotel from August 21-28, COP17 media accreditation, pre-COP briefings, and a local field visit.
What tasks do fellows have?
Attend pre-COP briefings, report from COP17, and create three independent stories, including one on drought resilience or land management solutions.
When is the application deadline?
Submit by 23:59 GMT on April 15, 2026, with work samples, editor letter, story ideas, media details, and CV.
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