AK Travels Limited

Summary

• Programme: Earth Journalism Network (EJN) Reporting Fellowships for Journalists Covering BBNJ COP1
• Organiser: Internews’ Earth Journalism Network
• Location: New York City, United States
• Conference dates: 11–22 January 2027
• Number of fellows: 10 journalists
• Funding: Airfare, accommodation, meals, travel medical insurance, ground transportation, visa-cost reimbursement and a daily allowance
• Eligible applicants: Professional journalists reporting from coastal countries
• Application deadline: 27 October 2026

About the EJN Reporting Fellowship

The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) Reporting Fellowship 2027 offers professional journalists an opportunity to attend and report on the first Conference of the Parties to the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, commonly associated with the High Seas Treaty.

Organised by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network, the fellowship is part of a three-year initiative designed to improve international reporting on the agreement and its implementation.

The first fellowship round will support 10 journalists travelling to New York City for the conference, scheduled for 11–22 January 2027. Fellows are expected to arrive on 9 January, participate in an orientation organised by EJN on 10 January, and depart on 23 January.

The programme aims to strengthen public understanding of international efforts to conserve marine biodiversity and manage ocean resources beyond national jurisdiction.

The BBNJ Agreement addresses the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Its implementation involves issues such as marine conservation, protected areas, marine scientific research and the sustainable use of ocean resources.

Selected journalists will have an opportunity to report on the conference proceedings and develop stories that explain relevant decisions, negotiations and developments to their audiences.

EJN plans to select fellows with equal representation from the Global North and Global South, supporting diverse international perspectives on ocean governance.

Scholarship Benefits

The EJN fellowship provides financial and logistical assistance to selected journalists attending the conference.

The official opportunity announcement lists the following benefits:

• Round-trip airfare: Coverage of non-refundable economy-class airfare to and from New York City.
• Accommodation: Accommodation during the fellowship period.
• Meals: Meals associated with participation in the programme.
• Travel medical insurance: Insurance coverage for the fellowship trip.
• Ground transportation: Transportation costs related to fellowship participation.
• Visa-cost reimbursement: Reimbursement of eligible visa expenses.
• Daily allowance: A per diem to help cover daily expenses during the stay in New York.
• Press accreditation assistance: Support with the conference press accreditation process.
• Travel logistics: Assistance with arrangements related to the fellowship trip.
• Professional reporting experience: The opportunity to cover a major international conference on marine biodiversity and ocean governance.

Although the fellowship covers major participation expenses, fellows remain responsible for obtaining the necessary visa and meeting the relevant entry requirements. Visa expenses are reimbursed under the programme’s conditions; applicants should not assume that EJN obtains a visa on their behalf.

Applicants should consult the official announcement for the precise funding conditions and any additional instructions.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is intended for professional journalists reporting from coastal countries who have experience covering ocean-related issues.

Applicants should meet the following core requirements:

• Professional journalism experience: Applicants must work as professional journalists, either for or in representation of an established media house.
• Eligible location: Applicants must be reporting from a coastal country.
• Previous ocean reporting: Candidates must have experience covering ocean issues.
• Relevant reporting interests: Experience may include subjects such as illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, marine protected areas, the blue economy, sustainable fisheries and marine pollution.
• Clear story ideas: Applicants must explain what stories they intend to pursue during the conference.
• Availability: Selected fellows must be available to attend the full conference programme and associated fellowship activities in New York City.

The programme seeks journalists capable of producing relevant reporting for audiences in their countries or regions. Applicants should demonstrate their commitment to journalism and explain how covering the conference will contribute to their ongoing work.

Nigerian journalists may be eligible to apply, provided they satisfy the professional and geographic requirements. Nigeria has a coastline, but applicants must still meet all the fellowship’s individual eligibility criteria.

The opportunity is intended for working journalists, not applicants seeking funding for university studies.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Read the official announcement

Visit the EJN Reporting Fellowship page and carefully review the eligibility requirements, funding conditions and application deadline.

Step 2: Confirm your eligibility

Ensure that you are a professional journalist reporting from a coastal country and have previous experience covering ocean-related issues.

Step 3: Develop your proposed story ideas

Identify the specific stories you would pursue at BBNJ COP1. Your proposals should demonstrate an understanding of ocean-related issues and explain how your reporting will inform your audience.

Step 4: Prepare your supporting materials

Review the official application instructions and prepare the required professional information and supporting documents. Applicants should be ready to demonstrate their reporting experience and relationship with an established media outlet.

Step 5: Submit your application online

Follow the application link provided on the official EJN opportunity page. Complete all required fields and submit your materials before the deadline.

Step 6: Await the selection decision

EJN will assess applications against the fellowship’s eligibility requirements and programme objectives. Only selected applicants will receive fellowship support.

Do not book flights or make non-refundable travel arrangements based on an assumption that your application will be successful.

Important Deadline

The application deadline for the EJN Reporting Fellowship is 27 October 2026.

The conference will take place in New York City from 11–22 January 2027. The planned fellowship travel dates are 9–23 January 2027, with an orientation day on 10 January.

Because the deadline is approaching, eligible journalists should review the official guidelines and prepare their applications promptly.

Submitting an application does not guarantee selection. EJN plans to select 10 fellows for this first conference round.

Related Opportunities

Explore these previously featured opportunities on AK Travels LTD:

1. Global Investigative Journalism Conference Fellowship 2027 — An international opportunity for eligible journalists interested in investigative reporting.
2. DW Traineeship 2028–2029 in Germany — A professional training opportunity in journalism and media.

Discover more verified opportunities at www.aktravelsltd.com.

Official Application Link

Official EJN opportunity and application instructions:

Read the official announcement carefully and use the application link provided on that page.

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The EJN Reporting Fellowship 2027 offers eligible journalists an opportunity to report from a major international conference on marine biodiversity while receiving substantial travel and participation support.

Applicants should have professional journalism experience, a track record of reporting on ocean issues and clear ideas for stories they intend to pursue.

Application deadline: 27 October 2026.

Check the official requirements and submit your application before the closing date.

For more verified journalism fellowships, scholarships and international opportunities, visit http://www.aktravelsltd.com.