EJN Our Ocean Conference 2026 Fellowships for Coastal Journalists
Journalists from coastal countries have a chance to cover a major global event on ocean protection. The EJN Our Ocean Conference 2026 Fellowships offer support for reporters to attend the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya. This program comes from Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) and targets those with experience in ocean stories.
Conference Overview
The 11th Our Ocean Conference takes place June 16-18, 2026, in Mombasa, Kenya. It marks the first time the event happens in Africa. The theme is “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future.” Leaders will discuss Kenya’s goals, like boosting youth ocean leaders and fighting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Fellows arrive on June 14 and leave on June 19. On June 15, EJN hosts an Orientation Day. This includes training on key topics, guest speakers, and a field trip. The conference focuses on negotiations, so reporters get close access to decisions.
Fellowship Benefits
EJN covers most costs for selected fellows. This includes economy-class round-trip airfare, hotel stays, meals, medical insurance, and ground transport. They also handle press accreditation and logistics. Fellows get a per diem for daily needs, and EJN reimburses visa fees. Note that fellows must sort their own visas.
Before the trip, fellows join a virtual workshop. They meet trainers, plan stories, and get resources. In Mombasa, daily briefings from EJN trainers help with coverage. Fellows interview officials, network with peers, and receive feedback on their work. This setup builds skills for strong ocean reporting.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet clear rules. They need to be professional journalists from coastal countries or representing media there. Past work on ocean topics counts, such as IUU fishing, marine protected areas (MPAs), blue economy, or sustainable fisheries.
Fellows must plan specific stories for the conference. They need to attend the full event, from June 14 to 19. English skills are required. Submit a current resume or CV. A letter from an editor, producer, or supervisor confirms publication plans. Freelancers need support from an outlet too.
Work samples must show recent ocean journalism. Pieces from the last 12 months work best. Include bylines and English summaries if not in English. Upload files or links.
Selection Process
Applications close April 7, 2026. EJN notifies winners in late April. Judges seek strong ocean reporting experience and environmental beats. They want long-term journalists tied to established media. A signed support letter from an editor boosts chances.
How to Apply
Visit the official page to submit. The link is earthjournalism.net/opportunities/our-ocean-conference-2026-fellowships. Prepare all documents ahead. Check details there for full guidance. Act fast since the deadline nears. This fellowship opens doors to global ocean talks and sharpens reporting skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the EJN Our Ocean Conference 2026 Fellowships?
Professional journalists from coastal countries with experience in ocean stories, like IUU fishing or marine protected areas, can apply if they plan specific stories and have editor support.
What costs does the fellowship cover?
EJN covers economy airfare, hotel, meals, medical insurance, ground transport, press accreditation, per diem, and visa fee reimbursement.
When is the Our Ocean Conference and fellowship schedule?
Fellows arrive June 14 for orientation, the conference runs June 16-18 in Mombasa, Kenya, and they leave June 19, 2026.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on April 7, 2026; submit via earthjournalism.net with resume, editor letter, and recent ocean story samples.