The EJN Reporting Fellowship 2027 offers a fully funded opportunity for professional journalists to attend an international ocean conservation conference in New York City, United States. Organised by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN), the fellowship supports journalists who want to report on marine biodiversity, ocean protection, and international environmental policies.
Selected participants will attend the first Conference of the Parties to the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, commonly known as the High Seas Treaty.
The fellowship will cover major travel and living expenses, including airfare, accommodation, meals, and travel medical insurance. Participants will also receive a daily allowance during their stay in New York.
Applications are open until October 27, 2026.
EJN Reporting Fellowship 2027 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship name | EJN Reporting Fellowship |
| Organising institution | Earth Journalism Network (Internews) |
| Host country | United States |
| Location | New York City |
| Conference | BBNJ COP1 |
| Fellowship positions | 10 journalists |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Conference dates | January 11–22, 2027 |
| Expected arrival | January 9, 2027 |
| Expected departure | January 23, 2027 |
| Application deadline | October 27, 2026 |
| Application method | Online |
What Is the EJN Reporting Fellowship?
The Earth Journalism Network supports journalists who report on environmental challenges around the world. Through training, fellowships, and professional development opportunities, EJN helps journalists improve public understanding of environmental issues.
This reporting fellowship is part of a three-year initiative focused on the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.
The agreement aims to improve the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
The first BBNJ Conference of the Parties will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from January 11 to 22, 2027.
During the conference, participating countries will discuss important matters related to ocean governance, environmental protection, and the implementation of the agreement.
EJN plans to select 10 journalists, with equal representation from the Global North and Global South.
The fellowship will allow participants to report directly from the conference while receiving professional guidance from environmental journalism experts.
Financial Benefits of the Fellowship
The programme provides financial assistance to help selected journalists participate in the conference without bearing the main travel and accommodation costs.
Expenses Covered
Selected fellows will receive:
- Round-trip airfare: Economy-class flights to and from New York City.
- Accommodation: Lodging during the fellowship period.
- Meals: Food expenses related to participation.
- Travel medical insurance: Insurance coverage during the trip.
- Ground transportation: Transportation costs associated with fellowship activities.
- Daily allowance: A per diem to help cover daily expenses in New York.
- Visa reimbursement: Reimbursement of applicable visa costs.
- Conference accreditation: Assistance with obtaining press accreditation.
EJN will also provide logistical support to help participants prepare for the conference.
Although visa costs are reimbursable, selected journalists remain responsible for completing the visa application process and obtaining the necessary travel documents.
The organiser has not announced a fixed monthly stipend. Instead, the fellowship provides the listed expenses and a daily allowance.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is designed for experienced journalists who have previously reported on ocean-related issues.
Applicants must meet the following requirements.
1. Professional Journalism Experience
Candidates must be professional journalists working for or representing established media organisations.
Journalists working in print, digital, television, or radio media may apply.
Freelance journalists are also eligible if they can provide the required support from a media outlet.
2. Reporting From a Coastal Country
Applicants must be reporting from a coastal country.
This requirement reflects the fellowship’s focus on ocean-related environmental challenges and the communities affected by them.
3. Experience Covering Ocean Issues
Candidates should have previous experience reporting on topics such as:
- Marine biodiversity and conservation
- Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing
- Marine protected areas
- Ocean pollution
- Sustainable fisheries
- Blue economy development
- Environmental policies affecting oceans
Relevant published journalism will help demonstrate an applicant’s experience.
4. English Language Skills
Applicants must have a good command of English.
The application must be submitted in English. However, previous journalism samples may be in other languages if applicants provide a short English summary.
5. Availability During the Conference
Selected journalists must be available to travel to New York City from January 9 to 23, 2027.
Participants are expected to attend the full conference and related fellowship activities.
Eligible Countries
The fellowship welcomes eligible journalists reporting from coastal countries worldwide.
EJN particularly encourages applications from journalists in the following countries:
- Namibia
- Ecuador
- Peru
- Seychelles
- Japan
- Spain
- Canada
- South Korea
However, the opportunity is not restricted to these countries.
Journalists from other coastal countries may also apply if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Applicants should carefully review the official announcement before submitting their applications.
What Will Selected Fellows Do?
The programme combines international conference reporting with professional journalism development.
Selected participants will attend a virtual workshop before travelling to New York.
After arriving, fellows will participate in an orientation session on January 10, 2027.
During the conference, they will attend relevant discussions, follow negotiations, and develop reporting ideas.
Participants will also benefit from guidance provided by EJN media trainers and ocean experts.
Reporting Responsibilities
Each fellow is expected to produce at least two in-depth journalistic stories or analyses about the conference.
These reports must be published or broadcast during the fellowship or within two weeks after the conference.
At least one report must also be translated into English.
The programme therefore requires active journalism rather than simple attendance at an international event.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants should prepare the following materials before starting the online application.
Updated CV or Resume
The CV should highlight professional journalism experience, previous assignments, and relevant environmental reporting.
Letter of Support
Applicants must provide a letter from an editor, producer, or supervisor.
The letter should confirm that the applicant’s reports from the conference will be published or broadcast by an established media organisation.
Freelance journalists must obtain a similar letter from the media outlet for which they intend to report.
Published Work Samples
Candidates must submit recent journalism samples covering ocean-related issues.
These samples should:
- Have been published within the previous 12 months.
- Clearly identify the journalist through a byline.
- Demonstrate relevant reporting experience.
- Include a short English synopsis if originally published in another language.
Applicants may submit suitable documents or links to published work.
Proposed Reporting Ideas
Candidates should explain the stories they intend to cover during BBNJ COP1.
Strong proposals should identify relevant environmental issues and explain why they matter to the intended audience.
How to Apply for the EJN Reporting Fellowship 2027
Interested journalists can apply online through the Earth Journalism Network website.
Follow these steps to prepare and submit an application.
Step 1: Visit the Official Fellowship Page
Open the official EJN Reporting Fellowship announcement.
Read the programme requirements, financial benefits, and application instructions carefully.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet the professional journalism, coastal-country, ocean-reporting, and English language requirements.
You should also confirm that you can attend the entire conference.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Update your CV and collect relevant published work samples.
Request your support letter early because obtaining confirmation from an editor or media organisation may take time.
Step 4: Develop Your Reporting Proposal
Identify the ocean-related stories you want to investigate.
Explain how your proposed coverage will help audiences understand the High Seas Treaty and its implementation.
Step 5: Complete the Online Application
Follow the application instructions on the official EJN website.
Provide accurate information and upload or link the required supporting materials.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Complete your application before October 27, 2026.
Avoid waiting until the final day because incomplete documents or technical problems could delay submission.
Selection Process
The fellowship is competitive, with only 10 places planned for the 2027 conference.
Applications will be assessed against the programme’s eligibility requirements and reporting objectives.
Relevant journalism experience, strong published work, and clearly developed reporting ideas are particularly important.
The organisers also aim to achieve balanced participation between the Global North and Global South.
Successful applicants are expected to receive selection decisions in November 2026.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | October 27, 2026 |
| Expected selection notification | November 2026 |
| Arrival in New York | January 9, 2027 |
| Fellowship orientation | January 10, 2027 |
| BBNJ COP1 conference | January 11–22, 2027 |
| Departure from New York | January 23, 2027 |
Applicants should check the official announcement for any updates to the application process or schedule.
Why Should Journalists Consider This Fellowship?
International environmental agreements can have important consequences for ocean ecosystems, coastal communities, fisheries, and global conservation efforts.
However, these agreements can be difficult for general audiences to understand.
The Earth Journalism Network fellowship gives journalists an opportunity to explain international decisions through accurate, accessible reporting.
Participants can also develop their professional networks, learn from environmental experts, and gain experience covering a major United Nations conference.
For journalists interested in ocean conservation and environmental policy, this programme offers valuable professional development alongside funded international travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EJN Reporting Fellowship 2027 fully funded?
Yes. EJN covers economy airfare, accommodation, meals, travel medical insurance, relevant ground transportation, and a daily allowance. Applicable visa costs are also reimbursed.
Can freelance journalists apply?
Yes. Freelance journalists may apply if they provide a support letter from an established media outlet willing to publish or broadcast their reporting.
Is the fellowship open to international applicants?
Yes. Eligible professional journalists reporting from coastal countries worldwide may apply.
Is IELTS required?
The published eligibility information requires a good command of English but does not specify an IELTS score. Applicants should follow the language requirements stated in the official application.
How many journalists will be selected?
EJN plans to select 10 journalists, with equal representation from the Global North and Global South.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is October 27, 2026.
Explore More International Fellowships
Journalists, researchers, and professionals looking for international development opportunities can explore more programmes through Pathfinderly.
Journalists and professionals interested in international career development can also explore the Yale World Fellows Program, which supports emerging leaders from different professional backgrounds.
Journalists and media professionals interested in broader international experience may also explore the CrossCulture Programme, which supports professionals working in media, culture, human rights, and civil society through funded international placements.
Those interested in international reporting opportunities can also explore the UN Journalism Fellowship, a fully funded programme supporting eligible journalists from 44 Least Developed Countries to cover a major United Nations development conference in Doha, Qatar.
Visit our Fellowships category for additional international fellowships, professional development programmes, and funded opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The Earth Journalism Network Reporting Fellowship 2027 offers an opportunity for experienced journalists to cover an important international ocean conservation conference in the United States.
With major travel and living expenses covered, selected participants can focus on reporting, professional learning, and developing meaningful stories for their audiences.
Interested journalists should review the official requirements, prepare their work samples and reporting proposals, and submit their applications before October 27, 2026.
Official Source: Earth Journalism Network – Reporting Fellowships for BBNJ COP1
Last verified: October 19, 2026. Fellowship information may change. Applicants should confirm all details through the official organiser before applying.