Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN), through its Ocean Media Initiative, runs an in-person fellowship supporting five journalists to attend and report from the Our Ocean Conference. The 11th edition — the first ever held in Africa — takes place in Mombasa, Kenya, from 16–18 June 2026 under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” spanning marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, marine pollution, the sustainable blue economy, climate change and maritime security. Fellows travel to Kenya, receive training and editorial guidance, and produce in-depth journalism on the negotiations for their home media outlets.
Benefits & funding
- Non-refundable economy-class airfare, accommodation, meals, travel medical insurance and ground transport related to the fellowship
- A per diem for daily expenses in Mombasa; visa costs reimbursed (obtaining any visa is the fellow’s own responsibility)
- Press accreditation facilitated by the organizers
- A pre-conference virtual workshop with the cohort and media trainers
- On-site Orientation Day on 15 June with ocean experts, plus daily briefings, interviews with high-level officials and editorial feedback from EJN’s media trainers
Eligibility
- A professional journalist from or representing an established media house, reporting from a coastal country
- Previous experience reporting on ocean issues (e.g., IUU fishing, marine protected areas, blue economy, sustainable fisheries)
- Good command of English; the fellowship is run in English and only English-language applications are accepted
- Available in Mombasa 16–18 June, arriving 14 June and departing 19 June 2026
- An up-to-date CV, a letter of support from an editor/producer/supervisor, and recent ocean-focused work samples (clear bylines, published within the last 12 months)
- Freelancers are welcome with a letter of support from a commissioning outlet
- Not eligible: journalists who attended the 2025 UN Ocean Conference with EJN support, or any other EJN-supported fellowship in 2025
Application process
- 1Click “Apply now” on the official opportunity page and log in, or register for an EJN account if you do not have one.
- 2Complete the online form, attaching your CV, your editor’s letter of support and your ocean-reporting work samples; you may save a draft and return later.
- 3Submit before the deadline; questions go only to info.ejn@internews.org.
Program timeline
Opportunity announced
Mar 17, 2026
Application deadline (11:59 PM Pacific/Niue)
Apr 7, 2026
Decisions communicated
Late April 2026
Fellows arrive in Mombasa
Jun 14, 2026
Orientation Day
Jun 15, 2026
Our Ocean Conference
Jun 16, 2026 to Jun 18, 2026
Departure
Jun 19, 2026