Our Ocean 2026 Fellowships for Journalists in Kenya
Journalists from coastal countries have a chance to cover a major global event on ocean health. The Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) Our Ocean Conference 2026 Fellowships offer fully funded trips to Mombasa, Kenya. These fellowships support reporters who focus on ocean issues like sustainable fishing and marine pollution.
What Is the Our Ocean Conference?
The Our Ocean Conference brings leaders together to protect the seas. The 2026 event, the 11th in the series, takes place in Mombasa, Kenya, from June 16 to 18. It marks the first time the conference happens in Africa.
The theme is “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future.” It covers six main areas: marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, marine pollution, sustainable blue economy, climate change, and maritime security. Kenya wants to highlight youth leaders in ocean work and fight illegal fishing.
Fellowship Overview
The EJN Our Ocean Conference 2026 Fellowships help journalists attend the full event. Fellows arrive on June 14 and leave on June 19. An orientation day on June 15 includes training, guest speakers, and a field trip.
Before the conference, fellows join a virtual workshop. This helps them prepare stories and connect with others. Organizers provide resources and support for reporting.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet clear rules to join. They need to be professional journalists from coastal countries or represent media there. Past work on ocean topics, like illegal fishing or blue economy, is required.
Fellows must plan stories for the conference. They need good English skills and availability for the dates. A resume, support letter from an editor, and recent story samples are needed.
Freelancers can apply if they have a letter from a media outlet. Samples should be from the last 12 months, with English summaries if not in English.
What Does the Fellowship Cover?
EJN pays for economy-class flights, hotel stays, meals, insurance, and ground travel. They handle press badges and logistics. Visa costs get reimbursed, and fellows receive a daily allowance.
This setup lets journalists focus on coverage without money worries. The goal is strong reporting on ocean action.
Application Deadline and Details
Apply by April 7, 2026. Check the official page for the form and full rules. Prepare your materials early to meet the deadline.
For more, visit the Earth Journalism Network site. This fellowship opens doors to key ocean stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Our Ocean Conference?
The Our Ocean Conference brings leaders together to protect the seas, and the 2026 event in Mombasa, Kenya, focuses on topics like sustainable fishing and marine pollution.
Who can apply for the EJN fellowships?
Professional journalists from coastal countries with past work on ocean topics, good English skills, and availability for the dates can apply.
What does the fellowship cover?
It covers economy flights, hotel, meals, insurance, ground travel, press badges, visa reimbursement, and a daily allowance.
When is the application deadline?
Applications are due by April 7, 2026; visit the Earth Journalism Network site for the form and full details.