EJN Reporting Fellowships to Cover BBNJ COP1 in New York City, USA (Fully Funded)
Internews' Earth Journalism Network is offering 10 fully funded reporting fellowships for journalists to cover BBNJ COP1, the first High Seas Treaty conference, in New York in January 2027. Apply by 27 October 2026.
What Is This Opportunity?
Internews' Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering fully funded reporting fellowships for journalists to cover BBNJ COP1, the first-ever conference of the High Seas Treaty, in New York City.
The High Seas Treaty, known officially as BBNJ, came into force in January 2026. It's a landmark global agreement to protect marine life in the ocean beyond any country's borders. At COP1, countries will make key decisions on marine protected areas and on how ocean activities are assessed for environmental impact.
Only 10 journalists will be selected, split equally between the Global North and the Global South.
Important Dates
- Application deadline: 27 October 2026
- Results: November 2026
- Conference dates: 11–22 January 2027
- Fellows arrive: 9 January 2027, with orientation on 10 January
- Location: New York City, USA
Who Can Apply?
- Professional journalists reporting from a coastal country
- Experience reporting on ocean issues, such as illegal fishing, marine protected areas, the blue economy or marine pollution
- Journalists working in any medium: print, online, TV or radio
- Staff journalists and freelancers. Freelancers need a support letter from an outlet.
- Good English skills
- Able to travel to the US for the full conference and meet US visa requirements
EJN especially encourages applicants from Namibia, Ecuador, Peru, Seychelles, Japan, Spain, Canada and South Korea, but journalists from other coastal countries can apply too.
What You Get
- Return economy flights to New York
- Accommodation and meals
- A daily allowance (per diem)
- Travel medical insurance
- Ground transport
- Visa costs reimbursed
- Press accreditation support
- A pre-conference virtual workshop and orientation day
What Fellows Will Do
- Attend the full conference
- Publish at least two in-depth stories during or within two weeks after the conference
How to Apply
Apply online through the EJN website with:
- Your CV
- A signed letter of support from your editor or producer
- A short statement of the stories you plan to report
- Work samples on ocean issues published in the last 12 months, with clear bylines
Simple Tips
- Pitch specific, original story ideas that connect the High Seas Treaty to your country's coast and communities.
- Choose your strongest ocean stories as work samples.
- Ask your editor for the support letter early.
- Check US visa appointment wait times in your country now.
- Apply soon, because the deadline is very close.
Apply Here
- Opportunity page: https://earthjournalism.net/opportunities/reporting-fellowships-for-journalists-to-cover-bbnj-cop1-in-new-york-city-usa
- Contact: info.ejn@internews.org
Disclaimer: World Opportunities Hub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Internews or the Earth Journalism Network. Please check all details on the official website before applying.
| Organization | Internews' Earth Journalism Network | | Region | New York City, USA | | Deadline | 27 October 2026 | | Level | Professional journalists | | Funding | Fully funded |
WorldOpportunitiesHub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Internews' Earth Journalism Network. Always verify details on the official website before applying.
