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 (EJN), this program supports reporters from coastal countries to attend the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, from June 16-18, 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 (IUU) 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.
Key Benefits of the Fellowship
EJN covers most costs to make attendance easy. This includes economy-class round-trip airfare, hotel stays, meals, ground transport, and travel medical insurance. They also handle press accreditation and give a per diem for daily needs. Fellows must arrange their own visas, but EJN reimburses those fees.
Before the trip, participants get resources, technical help, and a virtual workshop to plan stories and meet trainers. In Mombasa, expect daily briefings, interviews with top officials, and feedback on reports. These activities build skills for strong ocean journalism.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Rules
Applicants need to meet clear requirements. You must be a professional journalist from a coastal country, working for or representing an established media outlet. Past coverage of ocean topics like IUU fishing, marine protected areas (MPAs), blue economy, or sustainable fisheries is required.
Show your story ideas for the conference. Be free for the full dates: June 14 arrival to June 19 departure. English skills must be strong. Submit a current resume, a support letter from an editor or supervisor confirming publication, and recent ocean-focused clips from the last year. Freelancers qualify with outlet support; include English summaries for non-English work.
How to Apply and Deadlines
Applications close on April 7, 2026. Use the official link on the Earth Journalism Network site. Decisions come in late April.
What Judges Look For
Selectors prioritize proven ocean reporting experience and a steady journalism career. A strong tie to a media house, plus an editor’s signed support letter for publishing fellowship stories, weighs heavily. They seek fellows committed to environmental coverage long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EJN Our Ocean Conference 2026 Fellowship?
It is a program by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network that supports journalists from coastal countries to attend and cover the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, from June 16-18, 2026.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Professional journalists from coastal countries who work for an established media outlet, have prior ocean reporting experience, and are available from June 14 to 19, 2026.
What costs does the fellowship cover?
It includes economy-class airfare, hotel, meals, ground transport, medical insurance, press accreditation, and a per diem; fellows handle their own visas but get reimbursed.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close on April 7, 2026, via the Earth Journalism Network website, with decisions announced in late April.
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