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EJN Our Ocean Conference Fellowship 2026
The EJN Our Ocean Conference Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded journalism fellowship inviting professional journalists from coastal countries to report from the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, from 16 to 18 June 2026. Offered by the Earth Journalism Network (EJN), the fellowship covers economy airfare, accommodation, all meals, daily per diem, local transport, travel medical insurance, press accreditation support, and visa cost reimbursement. No application fee is required. The deadline is 7 April 2026.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Fully Funded Journalism Conference Fellowship |
| Organising Body | Earth Journalism Network (EJN) |
| Mode | Offline |
| Duration | 6 Days (14–19 June 2026 including travel and orientation) |
| Location | Mombasa, Kenya |
| Last Date to Apply | 7 April 2026 |
About the Program
The EJN Our Ocean Conference Fellowship 2026 provides professional journalists with direct access to the 11th Our Ocean Conference — the first edition to take place on the African continent — convened under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future.” Administered by the Earth Journalism Network, the fellowship is designed to strengthen ocean-focused media coverage by embedding experienced reporters within one of the world’s most significant marine conservation and policy forums. Consequently, selected fellows gain direct exposure to global policymakers, scientists, and experts addressing marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, pollution, and climate change while producing independent, editorially autonomous journalism throughout their placement. Furthermore, an orientation day on 15 June — featuring training sessions, guest speakers, and a field trip — ensures fellows are substantively prepared to cover the conference with depth and accuracy from the opening session.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Must be a professional journalist affiliated with an established media house in a coastal country
- Open to journalists working across all media formats — online, print, television, and radio
- Must demonstrate a strong command of the English language; non-English work samples must include a brief English synopsis
Experience & Other Conditions
- Must have a proven track record of reporting on ocean issues such as blue economy, sustainable fisheries, or illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing
- Must be available to attend the full program in Mombasa from 14 to 19 June 2026
- Freelance journalists are eligible, provided they supply a letter of support from an editor guaranteeing publication in an established outlet
- Must submit a clear story proposal outlining the specific stories they plan to pursue during the conference
- Work samples must have been published within the last 12 months
Benefits & Funding
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Airfare | Full coverage of non-refundable economy-class flights |
| Accommodation | All lodging provided for the full program duration |
| Meals | All meals covered throughout the fellowship |
| Daily Per Diem | Provided for incidental expenses during the stay |
| Local Transportation | Ground transportation and logistical trip support fully covered |
| Travel Medical Insurance | Health and safety coverage for the full duration of travel |
| Visa Costs | Fellows manage their own visa applications; EJN reimburses all visa costs |
| Press Accreditation | Professional assistance with the conference press accreditation process |
Topics / Themes Covered
The Our Ocean Conference 2026 is structured around six core themes:
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
- Sustainable Fisheries
- Marine Pollution
- Sustainable Blue Economy
- Climate Change and Ocean Resilience
- Maritime Security and IUU Fishing
Kenya-specific priorities also addressed include elevating youth ocean leaders and strengthening regional collaboration to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Selection Process
- Online application submitted via the official EJN fellowship portal before 7 April 2026
- Evaluation based on journalistic track record, ocean reporting experience, and quality of submitted work samples
- A letter of support from an editor or supervisor confirming publication intent is required for all applicants including freelancers
- Story proposal assessed for clarity, relevance, and alignment with conference themes
- No application fee is required at any stage
How to Apply
- Visit the official EJN Our Ocean Conference Fellowship 2026 application portal.
- Prepare an up-to-date CV or resume outlining your journalistic background and ocean reporting experience.
- Obtain a letter of support from your editor or supervisor guaranteeing publication of your coverage in an established media outlet.
- Select two to three recent, relevant journalistic pieces on ocean issues published within the last 12 months as work samples; include English synopses for any non-English samples.
- Draft a clear story proposal outlining the specific stories you intend to pursue during the Our Ocean Conference.
- Submit your complete application through the official portal before the 7 April 2026 deadline; no application fee is required.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| All Applicants | No application fee required |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 5 April 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 7 April 2026 |
| Arrival & Orientation | 14–15 June 2026 |
| Conference Dates | 16–18 June 2026 |
| Departure Date | 19 June 2026 |
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the EJN Our Ocean Conference Fellowship 2026?
Professional journalists staff or freelance — from coastal countries with a proven track record of reporting on ocean issues, available for the full program from 14 to 19 June 2026, are eligible; a strong command of English and an editor’s letter guaranteeing publication are also required.
What does the EJN Our Ocean Conference Fellowship 2026 cover financially?
The fellowship covers economy-class airfare, all accommodation and meals, a daily per diem, local transportation, travel medical insurance, press accreditation support, and full reimbursement of visa costs.
Are freelance journalists eligible to apply?
Yes — freelance reporters are explicitly eligible, provided they submit a letter of support from an editor at an established media outlet confirming intent to publish their conference coverage.
What work samples are required for the application?
Applicants must submit recent, relevant journalistic pieces focused on ocean issues published within the last 12 months; non-English samples must be accompanied by a brief English synopsis summarising the content.
Is there an application fee for the EJN Our Ocean Conference Fellowship 2026?
No — the EJN Our Ocean Conference Fellowship 2026 requires no application fee, and all core program expenses including visa costs are fully covered or reimbursed by the Earth Journalism Network.