EJN Journalism Reporting Fellowship 2027 in USA (Fully Funded)
Summary
The EJN Journalism Reporting Fellowship 2027 in the United States offers professional journalists a fully funded opportunity to cover the historic first Conference of the Parties to the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ COP1) in New York City. Hosted by the Earth Journalism Network (EJN), this fellowship equips ocean and environmental reporters with travel funding, expert access, and editorial guidance to bring critical ocean conservation discussions to global audiences.
Designation
Fellowship Designation: Earth Journalism Network (EJN) BBNJ COP1 Reporting Fellow
Key Details at a Glance
| Host Organization | Earth Journalism Network (EJN) |
|---|---|
| Event Covered | BBNJ COP1 (High Seas Treaty Conference) |
| Location | New York City, United States |
| Number of Fellowships | 10 Journalists |
| Financial Coverage | Fully Funded (Travel, Lodging, Daily Expenses, Visa Support) |
| Fellowship Travel Dates | January 9 – January 23, 2027 |
| Application Deadline | October 27, 2026 |
Scholarship Description
The EJN Journalism Reporting Fellowship is tailored to support high-impact international journalism on ocean policy and environmental governance. Selected journalists will travel to New York City to cover the landmark BBNJ COP1 negotiations in person. During this global summit, country representatives will discuss vital measures to protect marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions, designate protected marine areas, and define global ocean policies.
Participating fellows will receive round-the-clock professional support, including daily briefings, direct access to world-renowned marine scientists and legal experts, and editorial feedback to refine their reporting. The fellowship aims to enhance global understanding of marine conservation and high seas stewardship across local, national, and international audiences.
Fellowship Financial Benefits
Selected fellows will receive comprehensive funding to ensure full participation without financial burden:
- Air travel: Roundtrip economy-class airfare to and from New York City.
- Accommodation: Hotel or lodging costs fully covered throughout the event.
- Per Diem: Allowance to cover meals and daily out-of-pocket expenses.
- Local Transportation: Coverage for eligible ground travel.
- Visa Fee Support: Financial support for U.S. visa processing expenses.
- Travel Insurance: Emergency travel medical coverage.
- Editorial Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from seasoned environmental journalists and editors.
Research Area & Programme Focus
Fellows will cover critical issues related to international ocean policy and the High Seas Treaty. Focus reporting areas include:
- Marine biodiversity preservation in international waters.
- Designation and enforcement of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
- Ocean pollution, climate impacts, and marine ecosystem protection.
- Sustainable fisheries management and combating illegal fishing practices.
- Development of the sustainable blue economy and resource management.
- International legal frameworks and governance under the High Seas Treaty.
Location
The fellowship will take place in New York City, New York, United States, where international delegates will convene for BBNJ COP1. Selected candidates must be fully available to travel and participate on-site from January 9 to January 23, 2027.
Eligibility & Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Professional Status: Be a working professional journalist representing or contributing to a media outlet based in a coastal nation. Freelance reporters are eligible.
- Track Record: Demonstrate strong background or professional focus in ocean, marine, or environmental journalism.
- Language Skills: Possess strong working proficiency in English, as briefings and main sessions will be conducted in English.
- Travel Availability: Be fully available to reside in New York for the entire fellowship period (January 9 to January 23, 2027).
- Editorial Support: Secure an explicit editorial guarantee confirming that your media outlet will publish or broadcast the coverage produced during the fellowship.
Required Application Documents
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume.
- Work samples highlighting recent ocean or environmental coverage (include short English summaries for non-English pieces).
- A signed official support letter from an editor, producer, or supervisor.
- A clear plan detailing story ideas and proposed coverage strategy for BBNJ COP1.
How to Apply
Interested journalists can submit their fellowship applications online by following these steps:
- Prepare an updated CV showcasing your relevant journalism credentials.
- Gather high-quality work samples related to marine or climate topics.
- Obtain a signed commitment letter from your editor or media publisher.
- Draft your coverage proposal and story concepts for the BBNJ COP1 summit.
- Fill out the application form on the official program webpage.
Access the portal to submit your documents directly through the Official EJN Fellowship Application Link.
Last Date for Apply
The deadline to complete and submit your application for the EJN Journalism Reporting Fellowship 2027 is October 27, 2026. Late submissions or incomplete applications will not be evaluated.