Internews through its Earth Journalism Network · New York City
Applications are open for the Earth Journalism Network (EJN) Reporting Fellowships 2026 for journalists to cover the first Conference of the Parties to the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, known as BBNJ COP1, in New York City, United States. The programme is organised by Internews through its Earth Journalism Network and aims to strengthen global media coverage of international efforts to protect marine biodiversity and conserve ocean resources.
The fellowship forms part of a new three year programme designed to support journalists reporting on the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, commonly known as the High Seas Treaty. The initiative seeks to promote diverse, informed and accessible reporting on decisions that affect the world's oceans, marine ecosystems and communities that depend on them.
For the 2027 conference, EJN plans to select 10 journalists, with equal representation from the Global North and Global South. Selected fellows will travel to New York City to attend the full conference, engage with developments surrounding the agreement and produce journalism for established media outlets.
The Earth Journalism Network works to strengthen environmental journalism by supporting media professionals who report on issues affecting the natural world and the communities connected to it. Through training, reporting opportunities and access to relevant experts, the network seeks to improve the quality and reach of environmental news coverage.
The BBNJ Reporting Fellowship will help journalists cover the first Conference of the Parties under the international agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. These areas include parts of the ocean beyond the national jurisdiction of individual countries.
The agreement is significant because it provides an international framework for addressing marine biodiversity conservation in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Its implementation involves complex discussions about ocean protection, sustainable use of marine resources and international cooperation.
Fellows will have an opportunity to report on the conference proceedings and pursue stories that explain the issues to audiences in their respective countries. Applicants should identify the stories they intend to cover and demonstrate how their reporting can contribute to informed public understanding of ocean governance.
Selected journalists will receive financial and logistical support for their participation.
• Non refundable economy class return airfare.
• Accommodation in New York City during the fellowship.
• Meals related to fellowship participation.
• Travel medical insurance.
• Ground transportation costs connected with fellowship activities.
• A daily allowance to help cover expenses during the stay in New York City.
• Assistance with the press accreditation process.
• Logistical support for travel and conference participation.
• Reimbursement of visa costs, although obtaining the required visa remains the fellow's responsibility.
These benefits are intended to reduce the financial barriers that might otherwise prevent journalists from attending and reporting on the international conference. Applicants should confirm any additional arrangements directly with EJN before travelling.
The fellowship is intended for journalists with a demonstrated interest in ocean conservation, marine biodiversity and environmental governance. Potential reporting areas include the following.
• Marine biodiversity conservation: International efforts to protect marine species, habitats and ecosystems.
• Marine protected areas: Policies and negotiations concerning the establishment and management of protected ocean areas.
• Sustainable fisheries: The management of fisheries and the protection of marine resources for future generations.
• Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing: Reporting on unlawful fishing practices and their environmental and economic consequences.
• Marine pollution: The effects of pollution on ocean health, coastal communities and marine wildlife.
• The blue economy: Economic activities involving ocean resources and the challenge of balancing development with conservation.
• International ocean governance: Negotiations, policy decisions and cooperation connected with implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.
Applicants should propose realistic and relevant stories that they can pursue during the conference and explain how those stories will serve their intended audiences.
Applicants must meet the fellowship's professional and reporting requirements.
• Be a professional journalist from or representing an established media organisation and reporting from a coastal country.
• Have previous experience reporting on ocean issues or related environmental topics.
• Demonstrate a clear interest in continuing to cover ocean issues through journalism.
• Be available to travel to New York City, arriving on January 9 and departing on January 23, 2027.
• Have a good command of English.
• Submit an up to date resume or curriculum vitae.
• Provide a signed letter of support from an editor, producer or supervisor confirming that stories produced during the fellowship can be published or broadcast by an established media outlet.
• Provide recent journalistic work samples focused on ocean issues, published within the previous 12 months.
• Ensure submitted work samples have clear bylines. Samples may be provided as documents or web links.
• Provide a short English synopsis for work samples published in another language.
Freelance journalists may apply, provided they can obtain a letter of support from a media outlet for which they intend to report. The support letter should confirm the outlet's willingness to publish or broadcast the journalist's work.
EJN will assess applicants based on their professional experience, commitment to environmental journalism and ability to produce publishable reporting.
• Demonstrated experience covering ocean and other environmental topics.
• A sustained commitment to journalism and continued reporting on ocean issues.
• An established relationship with a media outlet or a clear publication arrangement.
• A signed letter of support confirming that reporting produced during the fellowship can be published or broadcast.
• A clear and relevant plan for the stories the applicant intends to pursue during the conference.
Applicants should present their experience and proposed coverage clearly, showing how their reporting could help audiences understand the importance of international ocean conservation efforts.
Prepare the following materials before beginning the application.
• An updated resume or curriculum vitae.
• A signed letter of support from an editor, producer or supervisor at an established media outlet.
• Recent work samples covering ocean issues, published within the last 12 months.
• Web links or document files containing the selected work samples.
• Short English synopses for work samples written in other languages.
• A clear description of the stories you intend to pursue at BBNJ COP1.
Ensure that your samples demonstrate your own journalistic contribution and include identifiable bylines. The support letter should confirm that your proposed reporting can be published or broadcast.
New York City
Internews through its Earth Journalism Network
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