The Our Ocean Conference Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded program supporting journalists to attend and report from the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya. This fellowship, organized by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network, aims to enhance media coverage of critical ocean issues such as marine protection, sustainable fisheries, and climate change.
Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is a global organization dedicated to empowering and supporting environmental journalism. Through initiatives like this fellowship, EJN builds the capacity of journalists worldwide to report accurately on environmental challenges and solutions.
Our Ocean Conference Fellowship Benefits
- Non-refundable economy-class airfare covered
- Accommodation, meals, and ground transportation provided
- Travel medical insurance
- Visa cost reimbursement
- Per diem for daily expenses
- Press accreditation facilitation and logistical support
- Pre-conference virtual workshop and resources
- Orientation Day with training and field trip
- Editorial feedback and guidance from media trainers
Our Ocean Conference Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Be a professional journalist from or representing an established media house and reporting from a coastal country
- Have previous experience reporting on ocean issues (examples include IUU fishing, MPAs, blue economy, sustainable fisheries)
- Clearly indicate the kinds of stories they will seek to pursue while covering the conference
- Be available for the conference in Mombasa from June 16-18, arriving on June 14 and departing on June 19
- Have a good command of the English language
- Share an up-to-date resume/CV
- Provide a letter of support from an editor, producer or supervisor who can confirm that your news reports will be published or broadcast in an established media outlet
- Provide recent, relevant and journalistic work samples which focus on ocean issues
How to Apply for Our Ocean Conference Fellowship
- Click the ‘Apply now’ button at the top of the page
- If you have an existing account, you’ll need to log in. If you don’t have an account, you must register
- If you start the application and want to come back and complete it later, you can click ‘Save Draft’
- To return to the draft, you’ll need to go back to the opportunity and click ‘Apply now’ again to finalize the application
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Our Ocean Conference Fellowship 2026. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply based on the official program information.
What is the Our Ocean Conference Fellowship 2026?
The Our Ocean Conference Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded program by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network that supports five journalists to attend and report from the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya from June 16-18, 2026. It includes travel, accommodation, meals, insurance, and training.
Who is eligible to apply for this fellowship?
Eligible applicants are professional journalists from or representing established media houses in coastal countries, with experience reporting on ocean issues. They must have English proficiency, provide a letter of support from their media outlet, and submit relevant work samples. Journalists who attended the UN Ocean Conference 2025 with EJN are not eligible.
What are the benefits of the fellowship?
Benefits include covered economy airfare, accommodation, meals, travel medical insurance, ground transportation, visa cost reimbursement, and a per diem. Fellows also receive press accreditation support, pre-conference training, an Orientation Day with experts, and editorial guidance during the conference.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is April 7, 2026, at 11:59 PM (Pacific/Niue time). Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered.
How do I apply for the fellowship?
Apply by clicking the ‘Apply now’ button on the official page. You need to log in or create an account on the EJN website. You can save a draft and return to complete it later. For difficulties, email [email protected].
What are the story requirements for fellows?
Fellows must produce at least two in-depth stories or analyses published during or within two weeks after the fellowship. Stories can be in any language but require an English summary. They must acknowledge EJN support and grant republication rights to EJN and partners.
What topics will the fellowship cover?
The fellowship focuses on the Our Ocean Conference themes: Marine Protected Areas, Sustainable Fisheries, Marine Pollution, Sustainable Blue Economy, Climate Change, and Maritime Security. It also explores Kenya’s priorities like youth ocean leaders and combating illegal fishing.
Is there a cost to participate?
No, the fellowship is fully funded. EJN covers all major costs including airfare, accommodation, meals, insurance, transportation, and provides a per diem. Fellows are responsible for obtaining visas, but costs are reimbursed.
What happens during the fellowship in Mombasa?
Fellows arrive on June 14 and depart June 19, with the conference from June 16-18. An Orientation Day on June 15 includes training, guest speakers, and a field trip. Daily briefings, interviews with officials, and editorial feedback are provided throughout.
Can freelancers apply?
Yes, freelancers can apply but must provide a letter of support from a media outlet that agrees to publish or broadcast their work from the conference. All applicants must demonstrate a relationship with an established media house.
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