Summary
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering a fully funded fellowship for professional journalists to attend and report on the UN Biodiversity Conference (UNCBD COP17). This prestigious opportunity allows selected journalists from low- and middle-income countries to gain direct access to global biodiversity negotiations, receive mentorship from experienced environmental journalists, and connect with international experts and policymakers.
- 🌍 UN Biodiversity Conference 2026 (COP17) will be held in Yerevan, Armenia, from October 19–30, 2026.
- 🎓 The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering a fully funded fellowship for journalists to cover the conference.
- 💰 There is no application fee, and the fellowship covers all major travel expenses.
- ✈️ Benefits include round-trip economy airfare, accommodation, meals, travel health insurance, local transportation, visa reimbursement, editorial support, and mentorship.
- 📰 The fellowship aims to strengthen global reporting on biodiversity, conservation, and environmental policy before, during, and after COP17.
- 🌱 Fellows will gain direct access to international negotiations, biodiversity experts, policymakers, and experienced environmental journalists.
- 🌎 Applicants from all nationalities may apply, but they must be from World Bank low- or middle-income countries.
- ✅ Eligible applicants must be professional or independent journalists with a strong publication record and prior experience reporting on biodiversity, conservation, or environmental issues.
- 📝 Applicants must submit a clear reporting proposal for COP17 and be able to attend the conference in person.
- 📄 Required documents include an online application, updated CV/Resume, relevant published work samples, editor’s support letter (if applicable), medical certificate, and a motivation statement.
- 📅 Application deadline: June 29, 2026.
Fellowship Details
| Feature | Details |
| Offered by | Earth Journalism Network (EJN) |
| Event | UN Biodiversity Conference (UNCBD COP17) |
| Location | Yerevan, Armenia |
| Dates | October 19–30, 2026 (Arrival Oct 17, Departure Oct 31) |
| Funding Status | Fully Funded |
| Last Date to Apply | June 29, 2026 |
Research/Reporting Area
The fellowship focuses on reporting on the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17). Fellows are expected to cover negotiations, policy solutions, and discussions regarding biodiversity loss, conservation challenges, and the implementation of global biodiversity targets.
Eligibility/Qualification
- Professional Status: Must be a professional journalist (freelance or employed by an established media organization).
- Location: Applicants must be from a low- or middle-income country as classified by the World Bank.
- Experience: Demonstrated prior experience reporting on environmental, biodiversity, or conservation issues.
- Language: High proficiency in the English language.
- Commitment: Must be available to travel to and attend the conference in person in Yerevan, Armenia for the full duration.
Job Description
Selected fellows will:
- Attend the full duration of the UNCBD COP17 in Yerevan.
- Participate in pre-conference virtual orientation and daily newsroom-style briefings.
- Receive mentorship and editorial guidance from senior environmental journalists.
- Conduct interviews with high-level officials and biodiversity experts.
- Produce and publish impactful stories about the conference negotiations and outcomes.
- Benefits: Round-trip economy-class airfare, accommodation, meals, travel health insurance, local transportation, and visa cost reimbursement.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application through the official Earth Journalism Network website.
Required Documents:
- Updated CV or Resume.
- Work samples pertaining to environmental or biodiversity reporting (published within the last 12 months).
- A letter of support from an editor or media organization (confirming publication/broadcast).
- A well-defined reporting plan for COP17.
- Disclosure of any use of AI-generated content in the application.
Last Date for Apply
The deadline for applications is June 29, 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
