Demo version

All Opportunities
Fellowship Fully funded

Reporting Fellowships for Journalists to Cover BBNJ COP1 in New York City

Applications closed

  • Climate
  • Journalism
  • Policy
Reporting Fellowships for Journalists to Cover BBNJ COP1 in New York City

Programme details

The BBNJ COP1 Reporting Fellowship 2027, organised by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN), supports professional journalists reporting from coastal countries to cover the first Conference of the Parties to the High Seas Treaty in New York City, United States. The programme aims to strengthen international journalism on ocean conservation, marine biodiversity and global environmental governance.

Ten journalists will be selected, with equal representation planned from the Global North and Global South. Fellows will follow negotiations concerning biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, including marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments and the implementation of international ocean protection commitments.

Participants will join a pre-conference virtual workshop, receive briefings from ocean experts and media trainers, attend relevant side events and engage with policymakers and fellow journalists. Daily discussions and editorial guidance will help participants develop informed reporting for audiences in their home countries.

Fellows are expected to produce at least two in-depth stories or analyses for publication or broadcast. The fellowship combines direct access to international negotiations with practical environmental journalism support, while allowing participants to maintain their editorial independence.

Eligibility requirements

  • Be a professional journalist from or representing an established media house and reporting from a coastal country
  • Have previous experience reporting on ocean issues, such as illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, marine protected areas, the blue economy, sustainable fisheries or marine pollution
  • Clearly indicate the kinds of stories you intend to pursue while covering BBNJ COP1

Benefits

  • Non-refundable economy-class airfare to and from New York City
  • Accommodation during fellowship participation
  • Meals during the fellowship

Important dates

  1. Fellows arrive in New York City
  2. Fellowship orientation day
  3. BBNJ COP1 begins
  4. BBNJ COP1 ends
  5. Fellows depart New York City

Required documents

  1. Resume/CV

    An up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae demonstrating relevant professional journalism experience

  2. Letter of support

    A signed letter from an editor, producer or supervisor confirming that stories produced during the fellowship will be published or broadcast by an established media outlet. Freelancers must provide a letter from the outlet for which they intend to report

  3. Journalistic work samples

    Recent, relevant journalism focusing on ocean issues, submitted as documents or web links. Samples must have clear bylines and have been published within the last 12 months. Non-English samples must include a short English synopsis

Apply for this opportunity (opens in a new tab)

Tips from people who’ve been there

Practical advice from people who’ve experienced this opportunity. Every tip is reviewed by Befello before publishing.

No tips yet — you could be the first.

Been through this opportunity? Share what you learned to help the next applicant.

Share your tip

Help the next applicant. Every tip is reviewed by the Befello team before it appears.

How did you take part? Required
Advice category Required
50–600 characters. Plain text; line breaks are kept.
Add social profiles Optional

Shown as links on your published tip, so readers can follow up. Not shown if you publish anonymously.

Your tip will show “Anonymous”. Only the Befello team sees your name.
If published, readers see your name (or “Anonymous”), how you took part, your cohort and any profile links you add — nothing else.

Opportunities you may also like

View more opportunities
Deadline 27 Oct 2026
Apply (opens in a new tab)