Deadline: 07-Apr-2026
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering an in-person fellowship for selected journalists to attend and report from the 11th Our Ocean Conference, taking place June 16–18, 2026, in Mombasa, Kenya. The fellowship provides full funding, including airfare, accommodation, meals, insurance, local transport, visa reimbursement, and a per diem, for professional journalists from coastal countries with experience reporting on ocean-related issues.
About the Fellowship
The Earth Journalism Network Fellowship is designed to support journalists in producing strong, evidence-based reporting from the Our Ocean Conference 2026.
This fellowship recognizes that major global ocean events should not only generate high-level commitments but also ensure that communities affected by marine and coastal challenges receive accurate, accessible, and impactful journalism.
The 11th Our Ocean Conference will be especially significant because it is the first edition to be hosted in Africa.
About the Our Ocean Conference 2026
The Our Ocean Conference 2026 will take place from June 16–18, 2026, in Mombasa, Kenya.
This global event brings together leaders, experts, and stakeholders to advance action on ocean conservation and sustainable ocean use.
Core themes of the conference
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
- Sustainable Fisheries
- Marine Pollution
- Sustainable Blue Economy
- Climate Change
- Maritime Security
The conference will also spotlight Kenya’s priorities, including:
- Empowering youth ocean leaders
- Strengthening collaboration to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing
The overall theme is: “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future.”
What the Fellowship Covers
Selected fellows will receive comprehensive financial support.
Fellowship benefits include:
- Non-refundable economy-class airfare
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Travel medical insurance
- Ground transportation related to participation
- Press accreditation support
- Logistical support
- Visa cost reimbursement
- Per diem for daily expenses
Important note
- Fellows must arrange their own visas, but the visa costs will be reimbursed
Fellowship Experience and Support
Before and during the conference, fellows will receive professional support to strengthen their reporting.
Before the conference
Selected fellows will:
- Receive preparatory resources
- Join a virtual workshop
- Connect with trainers and fellow participants
- Explore potential reporting angles
- Clarify expectations before arrival
During the conference
Fellows will:
- Attend daily briefings
- Engage with ocean experts
- Conduct interviews with high-level officials
- Receive editorial guidance
- Develop and refine reporting outputs from the event
Who Can Apply?
This fellowship is intended for professional journalists with relevant experience in ocean and coastal reporting.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be professional journalists
- Be affiliated with an established media organization
- Be reporting from a coastal country
- Have prior experience covering ocean-related issues
- Clearly explain the stories they plan to pursue during the conference
Relevant Reporting Background
Applicants should ideally have experience covering topics such as:
- Sustainable fisheries
- Blue economy
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
- Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing
- Other ocean, marine, or coastal sustainability issues
Why This Fellowship Matters
This is a strong opportunity for journalists because it offers:
- Fully funded international conference participation
- Access to a major global ocean policy event
- Exposure to experts and decision-makers
- Structured editorial and training support
- A chance to produce high-impact stories on urgent marine issues
It is particularly valuable for journalists in coastal countries, where ocean-related challenges directly affect communities, livelihoods, and ecosystems.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
To improve your chances:
- Show clear experience in ocean or coastal reporting
- Demonstrate affiliation with a recognized media outlet
- Propose specific, relevant story ideas
- Connect your reporting plan to the conference themes
- Explain why coverage matters for audiences in your country or region
- Highlight experience with data-driven or accountability journalism, if applicable
FAQ
1. What is this fellowship for?
It supports journalists to attend and report from the Our Ocean Conference 2026 in Mombasa, Kenya.
2. When will the conference take place?
The conference will be held from June 16–18, 2026.
3. Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes. It covers:
- Airfare
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Travel insurance
- Ground transportation
- Visa reimbursement
- Per diem
- Press accreditation and logistics support
4. Who is eligible?
Applicants must be:
- Professional journalists
- Affiliated with an established media organization
- Reporting from a coastal country
- Experienced in covering ocean-related issues
5. Do applicants need to arrange their own visa?
Yes. Fellows must arrange their own visa, but the cost will be reimbursed.
6. What kind of stories should applicants propose?
Applicants should outline strong story ideas related to:
- Ocean conservation
- Fisheries
- Marine pollution
- Blue economy
- MPAs
- Climate change
- Maritime security
- IUU fishing
Final Takeaway
The Earth Journalism Network Fellowship 2026 is an excellent fully funded opportunity for professional journalists from coastal countries to attend the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, from June 16–18, 2026.
With full travel support, editorial mentoring, and access to global ocean leaders and experts, the fellowship is ideal for journalists who already cover marine and coastal issues and want to produce impactful reporting on ocean conservation, fisheries, blue economy, and maritime security.
For more information, visit Earth Journalism Network.