Earth Journalism Network Opens Applications for Biodiversity COP17 Reporting Fellowships in Armenia @Unknown

The Earth Journalism Network has announced a new fellowship programme for journalists to cover the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity COP17, scheduled to take place in Yerevan, Armenia, in October 2026.

The in-person fellowship aims to support journalists from low- and middle-income countries to report on global biodiversity negotiations and enhance public understanding of environmental challenges, including accelerating species loss and ecosystem degradation.

Fellowship Supports Coverage of Critical Global Biodiversity Talks

The COP17 reporting fellowship is designed to strengthen international journalism on biodiversity governance at a critical moment for global environmental policy.

The programme will enable selected journalists to attend the full duration of the conference, which runs from 19–30 October 2026, with travel scheduled from 17 to 31 October.

The COP17 meeting will mark a key milestone in the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which includes 23 global targets aimed at halting and reversing nature loss by 2030. These targets include the global “30×30” goal to protect 30 percent of the world’s land and oceans.

The Earth Journalism Network stated that the fellowship seeks to ensure that discussions held at COP17 are accurately and widely reported beyond conference venues, particularly in countries most affected by biodiversity loss.

Programme Responds to Escalating Biodiversity Crisis

The fellowship comes amid growing global concern over accelerating environmental degradation.

According to international assessments referenced by programme organisers, more than 48,000 species are currently threatened with extinction, while climate change continues to alter ecosystems at a pace that outstrips natural adaptation.

The COP17 conference will serve as the first major global stocktake since the adoption of the biodiversity framework, assessing progress toward meeting 2030 targets.

Organisers emphasised that journalism plays a key role in ensuring accountability and public engagement in biodiversity governance.

Fellowship Provides Full Financial and Logistical Support

Selected journalists will receive comprehensive support to attend COP17 in Armenia.

The fellowship package includes:

• Economy-class airfare to and from Yerevan
• Accommodation for the duration of the conference
• Daily meals and local transportation
• Travel medical insurance
• Visa cost reimbursement
• Press accreditation support

The Earth Journalism Network will also provide pre-conference training, including virtual workshops and briefings with biodiversity experts and experienced UN summit journalists.

Training and Mentorship for Environmental Reporting

Fellows will participate in structured capacity-building activities before and during the conference.

These include:

• Pre-COP virtual orientation and reporting guidance sessions
• Expert briefings on biodiversity policy issues
• Daily newsroom-style briefings during COP17
• Mentorship from senior environmental journalists
• Networking and peer learning with other selected fellows

The programme is designed to strengthen investigative and policy reporting skills while improving coverage of biodiversity negotiations and environmental governance.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

The fellowship is open to professional journalists who meet specific eligibility requirements.

Applicants must:

• Be based in or reporting from a low- or middle-income country (World Bank classification)
• Have experience reporting on biodiversity or environmental issues
• Be available to travel to Armenia for the full duration of COP17
• Demonstrate strong English language proficiency
• Submit a resume or CV and relevant work samples
• Provide a letter of support from an editor or media organisation confirming publication or broadcast of their work

Freelance journalists are eligible but must also provide editorial support confirmation from a media outlet.

Applicants are required to submit recent biodiversity-related reporting samples, along with English summaries where necessary.

Emphasis on High-Quality Environmental Journalism

The selection process will prioritise applicants who demonstrate:

• Strong background in biodiversity or environmental journalism
• A clear reporting plan for COP17, including proposed story angles
• Commitment to producing multiple stories during the fellowship period
• Strong links to established media organisations
• Geographic and media diversity within the cohort

The organisers also highlighted that applicants must disclose any use of generative AI tools in their submissions, with undisclosed use potentially resulting in disqualification.

Fellowship Reporting Requirements and Editorial Standards

Selected fellows will be expected to produce multiple journalistic outputs across various formats, including print, broadcast, radio, and digital platforms.

Key reporting guidelines include:

• Publication in any language, with English summaries required
• Translation of at least one story into English
• Inclusion of fellowship attribution in published work
• Compliance with editorial standards provided during onboarding
• Respect for republication rights allowing broader dissemination by programme partners

Stories produced under the fellowship must include acknowledgement of support from the Earth Journalism Network using the required attribution statement.

Application Timeline and Process

Applications will remain open until 29 June 2026 at 11:59 PM (Pacific/Niue time). Successful applicants will be notified before the end of July.

The application process includes:

• Online submission through the programme portal
• Registration or account login for applicants
• Upload of CV, work samples, and supporting documents
• Submission of a reporting plan and editorial support letter

Applicants are advised to ensure all materials are complete before submission, as incomplete applications will not be considered.

Strengthening Global Coverage of Biodiversity Loss

The fellowship reflects a growing recognition of the need for stronger media coverage of biodiversity loss and environmental governance.

By supporting journalists from diverse regions, the Earth Journalism Network aims to expand global access to information on biodiversity negotiations and highlight the real-world impacts of ecosystem decline.

The initiative reinforces the role of journalism in bridging scientific, policy, and public understanding at a time when biodiversity loss is increasingly recognised as one of the most urgent global environmental crises.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding

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