EJN Reporting Fellowships 2026 to Cover BBNJ COP1 in New York City, USA

About the programme

The Earth Journalism Network, a programme of Internews, is inviting professional journalists to apply for its 2026 Reporting Fellowships to cover the first Conference of the Parties to the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.

The BBNJ Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty, establishes a framework for protecting marine biodiversity in ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction. Its first Conference of the Parties, BBNJ COP1, will take place in New York City from January 11 to 22, 2027.

For this first conference, EJN plans to select 10 journalists, with equal representation from the Global North and Global South. Fellows will report on the negotiations, decisions and developments shaping the future of international ocean conservation.

Although the announcement describes this as a new three-year programme, the fellowship advertised in this call is the reporting assignment for the January 2027 conference, not a three-year individual award.

Who can apply

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Be a professional journalist working for, or representing, an established media outlet. Freelancers may apply.
• Be based in or report from a coastal country.
• Have previous experience covering ocean-related issues, such as illegal fishing, marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, marine pollution or the blue economy.
• Demonstrate a commitment to journalism and continued reporting on ocean and environmental issues.
• Have a good command of English.
• Be available to travel to New York City from January 9 to January 23, 2027.
• Provide a signed letter of support from an editor, producer or supervisor confirming that the proposed reporting will be published or broadcast by an established media outlet.
• Submit recent work samples related to ocean issues, published within the previous 12 months and carrying a clear byline.
• Explain the stories and reporting angles they intend to pursue during the conference.

Freelancers must obtain a letter of support from an outlet they intend to report for. The letter should confirm the outlet’s commitment to publishing or broadcasting the resulting work.

Journalists working in print, online, television or radio may be considered. EJN particularly encourages applications from Namibia, Ecuador, Peru, Seychelles, Japan, Spain, Canada and South Korea, while also considering applicants from other eligible countries.

What you get

Selected fellows will receive logistical and financial support for their reporting assignment, including:

• Economy-class airfare to and from New York City.
• Accommodation during the fellowship period.
• Meals and a daily allowance for other eligible expenses.
• Ground transportation related to fellowship activities.
• Travel medical insurance.
• Reimbursement of visa costs.
• Assistance with press accreditation and travel planning.
• A pre-conference virtual workshop and an orientation session with ocean experts.
• Briefings and editorial guidance from EJN’s media trainers during the conference.

EJN will also support fellows in planning and developing their stories so that audiences can better understand the importance of the BBNJ Agreement and the issues discussed during COP1.

Important: Fellows remain responsible for obtaining the required US visa. Visa expenses are reimbursed according to the programme’s rules; applicants should not assume that visa approval is guaranteed.

How to apply

1. Visit the official Earth Journalism Network fellowship announcement: https://earthjournalism.net/opportunities/reporting-fellowships-for-journalists-to-cover-bbnj-cop1-in-new-york-city-usa
2. Log in to your EJN account. New applicants should register for an account before starting the application.
3. Open the fellowship announcement and select Apply now.
4. Complete the online application in English and clearly explain the reporting stories you intend to pursue at BBNJ COP1.
5. Upload your current CV, signed media outlet support letter and recent work samples relating to ocean or environmental issues.
6. Include short English synopses for any relevant published samples that are in another language.
7. Review the application and submit it before the deadline. Keep the confirmation email for your records.

Official EJN application guidance: https://earthjournalism.net/faq

Documents required

Applicants should prepare the following:

• An up-to-date CV or résumé.
• A signed letter of support from an editor, producer or supervisor at an established media outlet.
• Recent published journalism samples focused on ocean-related issues, with clear bylines.
• Short English synopses for work samples published in other languages.
• A clear description of the proposed stories, angles and reporting plans for BBNJ COP1.
• Any additional information requested in the online application.

Applicants should make sure their work samples demonstrate relevant reporting experience and that their proposed stories offer clear value to the audiences they serve.

Important dates

• October 27, 2026: Application deadline.
• November 2026: Applicants are expected to be notified of decisions.
• January 9, 2027: Fellows arrive in New York City.
• January 10, 2027: Orientation day organised by EJN.
• January 11–22, 2027: BBNJ COP1 takes place in New York City.
• January 23, 2027: Scheduled departure from New York.

Applicants should confirm the precise deadline and time zone on the official EJN application page before submitting. Given the short application window, prepare the CV, support letter and published work samples as early as possible.