Biodiversity Fellowships for Journalists to Cover the UN Biodiversity Conference (UNCBD COP15)

September 5, 2022

This opportunity is intended to enable journalists from low- and middle-income countries to cover the UN CBD negotiations, keeping their home audiences informed about COP15 – and report why its outcomes matter.

Fellowship logistics 

Eight journalists will be selected for the fellowship;
Fellows will receive resources and tools to help prepare for reporting at the conference.
Fellows will also be mentored by EJN trainers, who are senior journalists with experience in covering UN summits.
Trainers will offer valuable insight into the deliberations happening on the ground, and share feedback and guidance as needed to support Fellows’ story production.
Fellows will also engage with their cohort and exchange ideas for effective reporting on the issues under negotiation.

Format and language of publication: Journalists may produce stories in print, online, radio or broadcast formats. Stories produced as a result of this fellowship can be in any language. We ask that fellows provide summarizes of their stories in English and translate at least one of their stories into English so it can be shared with a wider audience.

Eligibility 

To be eligible for the fellowship, the applicant must:

Be a professional journalist from or representing an established media house and reporting from a low- or middle-income country. EJN will offer scholarships to journalists from the countries listed here.
Have previous experience reporting on environmental issues.
Be available to arrive in Montreal by December 5, 2022 and commit to staying to cover the full two weeks of the COP and participate in fellowship activities.
Provide a letter of support from an editor or media outlet, committing to publish or broadcast any stories produced as a result of this fellowship. This is expected of both staffers and freelancers.
Submit samples of their work, which can be uploaded as documents or web links. Work samples can be in any language as long as they are accompanied by a short English synopsis. Clips related to biodiversity issues are preferred.

Travel requirements and safety protocols  

EJN will cover non-refundable economy-class airfare, accommodation, meals, travel insurance, and transportation costs to participate in the fellowship. Organizers will also reimburse meals and other transport expenses acquired in transit, including COVID testing; facilitate the press accreditation process; and provide logistical support relating to the trip. Please note that the process of obtaining any necessary visas is the Fellow’s individual responsibility, though we can reimburse visa costs.

Application process 

Click the ‘Apply Now’ button at the top of the page… https://earthjournalism.net/opportunities/biodiversity-fellowships-for-journalists-to-cover-the-un-biodiversity-conference

Deadline: