Journalists from coastal countries have a chance to cover a major global event on ocean conservation. Applications are open for the Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) Our Ocean Conference 2026 Fellowships. This fully funded program sends selected reporters to Mombasa, Kenya, for the 11th Our Ocean Conference from June 16 to 18, 2026.
What Is the Our Ocean Conference?
The Our Ocean Conference brings leaders together to address key ocean challenges. The 2026 event in Mombasa marks the first time it happens in Africa. Its theme is “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future.” The conference covers six main areas: Marine Protected Areas, Sustainable Fisheries, Marine Pollution, Sustainable Blue Economy, Climate Change, and Maritime Security. Kenya will highlight youth ocean leaders and efforts to stop illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Fellows will join negotiations and sessions during the full event. They arrive on June 14 and leave on June 19. An orientation day on June 15 includes training on conference topics, guest speakers, and a field trip.
Who Can Apply?
This fellowship targets professional journalists who meet these criteria:
- Work from or represent a media house in a coastal country.
- Have experience covering ocean topics like illegal fishing, marine protected areas, blue economy, or sustainable fisheries.
- Plan specific stories to report from the conference.
- Speak English well.
- Commit to the full travel dates.
- Submit a current resume or CV.
- Provide a support letter from an editor, producer, or supervisor. This confirms your stories will air or publish in an established outlet. Freelancers need a letter from their intended media partner.
- Share recent work samples on ocean issues. These must be from the last 12 months, with bylines. Include English summaries if not in English.
What Does the Fellowship Cover?
EJN funds almost everything for selected fellows:
- Economy-class round-trip airfare.
- Hotel stay, meals, and ground transport in Mombasa.
- Travel medical insurance.
- Visa cost reimbursement (fellows handle their own visa process).
- Daily per diem for personal expenses.
- Press accreditation and logistics help.
- Pre-conference resources, technical support, and a virtual workshop to prepare stories and meet the group.
Application Deadline and Details
Submit by April 7, 2026. For full details and to apply, visit the official EJN webpage. Prepare your materials early to cover ocean issues in depth at this key event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Our Ocean Conference?
The Our Ocean Conference gathers leaders to tackle ocean challenges like marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, and climate change. The 2026 event in Mombasa, Kenya, is the first in Africa with the theme ‘Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future.’
Who can apply for the EJN fellowships?
Professional journalists from coastal countries with experience in ocean topics, good English skills, and plans for conference stories can apply. They need a resume, editor letter, and recent work samples.
What does the fellowship cover?
It funds economy airfare, hotel, meals, insurance, visa reimbursement, per diem, and press support. Fellows also get training and resources.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close on April 7, 2026. Visit the EJN webpage for details and to apply.
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