Are you a journalist passionate about ocean conservation? The EJN Our Ocean Conference 2026 Fellowships offer a chance to cover a major global event in person. Organized by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network, this program supports reporters from coastal countries to attend the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, from June 16 to 18, 2026.
The conference theme, “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” highlights Kenya’s goals like boosting youth ocean leaders and fighting illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Fellows arrive on June 14, join an orientation on June 15 with training, expert speakers, and a field trip, and leave on June 19. This fully funded trip lets you report on key negotiations and build skills in environmental journalism.
Key Benefits of the Fellowship
EJN covers all major costs to make attendance easy. You get non-refundable economy-class airfare, hotel stays, meals, travel medical insurance, and ground transport. They handle press accreditation and logistics, plus reimburse visa fees, though you manage the visa process yourself. A per diem helps with daily needs in Mombasa.
Before the event, fellows receive resources, technical help, and a virtual workshop to plan stories and connect with trainers. On site, enjoy daily briefings, interviews with top officials, and feedback on your work. These activities build networks and sharpen your reporting on ocean topics.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Requirements
This fellowship targets professional journalists from coastal countries or those representing media there. You need prior experience covering ocean issues, such as illegal fishing, marine protected areas, blue economy, or sustainable fisheries. Outline the stories you plan to pursue at the conference.
Be available for the full schedule: June 14 arrival to June 19 departure. Strong English skills are required. Submit an updated resume, a support letter from an editor or supervisor confirming publication or broadcast, and recent ocean-focused samples from the past year. Freelancers qualify with a letter from an outlet planning to run your work. Samples can be in any language with an English summary.
How to Apply and Deadlines
Applications close on April 7, 2026. Apply online through the Earth Journalism Network site. Decisions come in late April.
Judges prioritize proven ocean reporting experience, a commitment to environmental journalism, and ties to an established media outlet with a support letter. Strong pitches for conference stories boost your chances.
This fellowship equips you to produce impactful coverage on ocean health while gaining direct access to leaders and peers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the EJN Our Ocean Conference 2026 Fellowships?
Professional journalists from coastal countries with experience covering ocean issues like illegal fishing or sustainable fisheries qualify. You need strong English skills, availability from June 14 to 19, 2026, and samples of recent work.
What costs does the fellowship cover?
It includes economy-class airfare, hotel stays, meals, medical insurance, ground transport, press accreditation, visa fee reimbursement, and a per diem for daily needs.
What is the schedule for fellows?
Fellows arrive on June 14, attend orientation with training and a field trip on June 15, cover the conference June 16-18, and depart June 19 in Mombasa, Kenya.
How and when do I apply?
Submit your application online through the Earth Journalism Network website by April 7, 2026. Include a resume, editor support letter, and recent ocean story samples.
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