Deadline: 01-Feb-2026
The Y. Eva Tan Conservation Reporting Fellowship supports journalists in producing in-depth, high-impact reporting on biodiversity conservation and environmental issues. The six-month fellowship offers $3,000 in financial support, close editorial mentorship, and publication opportunities with Mongabay.
Overview
The Y. Eva Tan Conservation Reporting Fellowship is a journalism support programme designed to strengthen in-depth reporting on biodiversity conservation and environmental challenges.
It provides sustained financial support, structured editorial guidance, and a global publishing platform for journalists committed to covering under-reported conservation stories.
The fellowship is hosted by Mongabay, an internationally recognised environmental journalism platform focused on forests, biodiversity, climate, and conservation.
What Is the Y. Eva Tan Conservation Reporting Fellowship?
This fellowship enables journalists to dedicate focused time to conservation reporting while receiving close mentorship from experienced editors.
The programme supports well-researched storytelling that explores ecological threats, conservation responses, and the complex interactions between people, ecosystems, and wildlife.
It is designed to improve both the quality and reach of environmental journalism by combining funding, editorial collaboration, and global visibility.
Key Focus Areas and Reporting Themes
Fellows are encouraged to report on a wide range of environmental and conservation topics, including:
Biodiversity Conservation
Coverage of species protection, habitat loss, ecosystem degradation, and restoration efforts.
Environmental Challenges
Reporting on deforestation, climate change impacts, pollution, and resource extraction.
Human–Nature Relationships
Stories examining how communities interact with, depend on, and protect natural ecosystems.
Conservation Solutions
In-depth reporting on policy responses, grassroots initiatives, and science-based conservation strategies.
Fellowship Structure and Financial Support
Duration and Time Commitment
The fellowship runs for six months.
Fellows are expected to commit approximately 10 hours per week to reporting and related activities.
Stipend and Total Funding
Each fellow receives:
$500 USD per month
$3,000 USD in total over six months
The stipend provides financial stability, allowing fellows to focus on sustained investigative and narrative reporting.
Editorial Mentorship and Professional Support
A central feature of the fellowship is close editorial collaboration.
Fellows work with:
Dedicated fellowship editors
Multiple Mongabay editors across regions and thematic beats
This mentorship strengthens story development, reporting depth, and narrative clarity, while also expanding fellows’ professional networks within environmental journalism.
Publication Expectations and Output
Story Requirements
Fellows are expected to:
Produce an average of one story per month
Publish a total of six stories during the fellowship
Publishing Platform
All completed stories are published on Mongabay’s website.
The platform offers global reach and visibility, ensuring conservation stories reach diverse international audiences.
Who Is Eligible?
The fellowship is suitable for:
Journalists committed to environmental and conservation reporting
Reporters interested in biodiversity, ecology, and environmental policy
Writers seeking editorial mentorship and international publication
Journalists able to commit consistent time over six months
Applicants should demonstrate strong reporting skills, curiosity, and a clear interest in conservation journalism.
Why This Fellowship Matters
High-quality environmental journalism is essential in addressing global biodiversity loss and ecological crises.
This fellowship matters because it:
Supports under-reported conservation stories
Provides journalists with time and financial security
Strengthens editorial quality through mentorship
Raises public awareness of biodiversity and environmental protection
Contributes to informed global environmental discourse
How the Fellowship Works
Step-by-Step Fellowship Experience
Selection of fellows based on reporting potential and focus
Assignment of dedicated editors
Monthly reporting and story production
Ongoing editorial feedback and revisions
Publication of stories on Mongabay
The structure ensures consistent output and continuous skill development.
Tips for a Strong Application
Demonstrate a clear commitment to conservation reporting
Propose story ideas that are original and under-reported
Show an ability to work independently and meet deadlines
Highlight previous environmental or investigative reporting experience
Clearly explain how the fellowship will strengthen your journalism
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting vague or overly broad story ideas
Underestimating the time commitment required
Focusing on advocacy rather than evidence-based reporting
Failing to show how stories will add new insights
Ignoring the importance of editorial collaboration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long is the Y. Eva Tan Conservation Reporting Fellowship?
The fellowship lasts for six months.
2. How much funding does each fellow receive?
Each fellow receives $500 USD per month, totalling $3,000 USD.
3. How many stories must fellows produce?
Fellows are expected to publish six stories, averaging one per month.
4. Where are the stories published?
All stories are published on Mongabay’s website.
5. What level of time commitment is required?
Fellows should dedicate approximately 10 hours per week.
6. What kind of editorial support is provided?
Fellows receive close mentorship from fellowship editors and collaborate with Mongabay editors across regions and themes.
7. Who should apply for this fellowship?
Journalists passionate about biodiversity, conservation, and environmental reporting should apply.
Conclusion
The Y. Eva Tan Conservation Reporting Fellowship provides a rare opportunity for journalists to produce sustained, high-quality conservation reporting with financial stability and expert editorial guidance.
By supporting six months of focused storytelling and global publication, the fellowship strengthens environmental journalism and amplifies critical biodiversity and conservation narratives worldwide.
For more information, visit Mongabay.