The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA) invite journalists to apply for a fellowship to cover the COP17 conference in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The program is open to professional staff or freelance journalists who work with recognized media outlets and are based in countries affected by desertification, land degradation, or drought. Six selected fellows will receive fully funded support, including return economy-class airfare to Mongolia, accommodation, and media accreditation to the conference. Participants will attend pre-conference virtual briefings, engage in a field visit with local communities, and are expected to produce at least three independent stories related to land restoration and drought resilience. The application deadline is 15 April 2026. COP17 Reporting Fellowship
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Earth Journalism Network — Ocean Conference Fellowship
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) invites applications from journalists to attend the 2026 Our Ocean Conference. The fellowship program supports professional journalists from low- and middle-income countries, with a particular focus on those from the Global South, to report on ocean conservation and marine policy. Selected fellows receive full sponsorship to attend the conference, including airfare, accommodation, meals, and travel insurance. In addition to covering the event, participants engage in preparatory workshops and receive mentorship from experienced environmental editors to strengthen their reporting on topics such as sustainable fisheries, marine protected areas, and climate resilience. The application deadline is 15 April 2026. Ocean Conference Fellowships
Global Development Network — Social Sciences in Images
The Global Development Network (GDN) invites young social science researchers from Francophone Africa to participate in the “Convergences: Social Sciences in Images” competition. This initiative encourages researchers to translate their scientific findings into visual formats such as infographics, drawings, illustrations, mind maps, or comic strips. Winners will receive an invitation to the 2026 GDN Regional Conference, participate in creative and research capacity-building workshops, and have their work featured in an international traveling exhibition. The program aims to promote open science and the intersection of research and creation. The deadline for submitting entries is 30 April 2026. Know more
Pulitzer Center — Impact Seed Fund
The Pulitzer Center invites applications for its Impact Seed Fund, which supports university educators and researchers in using Pulitzer Center-supported journalism to develop educational and engagement initiatives on environmental issues. The program focuses on topics such as oceans, rainforests, climate change, and transparency and governance, aiming to enrich academic discourse and community knowledge. Eligible applicants must be university professors or researchers based in Africa, Latin America, or Southeast Asia. Grants range from US$2,500 to US$4,000 to cover project costs, with implementation expected within six to eight months. The deadline for applications is 19 April 2026 for Africa and Latin America, and 03 May 2026 for Southeast Asia. Impact Seed Fund
Photography 4 Humanity — Photography Competition
Photography 4 Humanity invites amateur and professional photographers worldwide to submit images for its 2026 Global Prize. This year’s theme, “HOME,” asks artists to explore concepts of safety, belonging, and identity in a world shaped by climate change and displacement. The competition is open to individuals at least 18 years of age, and entrants may submit up to five photographs taken within the last three years. The Global Prize recipient receives a US$5 thousand cash award, and their work will be exhibited at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Human Rights Day. The deadline for submissions is 12 July 2026. Photography 4 Humanity
Pulitzer Center — Ocean and Fisheries Reporting Grant
The Pulitzer Center invites applications for its Ocean and Fisheries Reporting Grant, which supports in-depth journalism on underreported issues such as illegal fishing, marine pollution, and the impacts of climate change on coastal communities. The program is open to all journalists, including staff reporters, freelancers, photographers, and filmmakers from any country. Proposed projects should focus on systemic threats to marine biodiversity or the global supply chains that drive resource depletion. Grant amounts typically range from US$5 thousand to US$15 thousand, covering hard reporting costs such as travel, lodging, and data analysis. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Ocean and Fisheries Reporting Grant
Earth Journalism Network — GEF Assembly Fellowships
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) provides fellowships for journalists to report on the Eighth Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This program is open to professional journalists from any medium, including print, online, radio, and television, who have a demonstrated track record of environmental reporting. Eligible applicants must be from low- or middle-income countries and possess at least five years of experience in the field. The fellowship covers all travel expenses, including airfare, accommodation, meals, and local transportation, and provides selected participants with specialized training and access to high-level interviews during the event. The deadline for applications is 31 March 2026. Link to Fellowships
NYU — Climate Economics Journalism Fellowship
The NYU Stern Climate Economics Journalism Fellowship is a two-day in-person fellowship designed to help journalists navigate the complex economic and financial shifts driven by climate change. This international opportunity is open to professional journalists (reporters, editors, and freelancers) worldwide who have a strong interest in covering the intersection of climate and the economy; prior formal training in economics is not required. Fellows residing outside the New York Metro Area receive a CAN$2,800 (US$2,000) stipend to cover travel and accommodation, while those within the metro area receive CAN$1,400 (US$1,000); all meals during the program are provided. The application deadline is 20 April 2026. Climate Economics Journalism Fellowship
Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards — Wildlife Photography Competition
The competition celebrates the hilarity of our natural world and highlights what we need to do to protect it through funny animal pictures. The competition is open to wildlife photography novices, amateurs, and professionals. Winners receive prizes (no cash awards). The deadline for entries is 30 June 2026. Comedy Wildlife
Marion Dönhoff Foundation — Environment and Sustainability
The Marion Dönhoff Fellowship supports young conservationists, scientists, and activists from the post-Soviet region and Central Asia. The program funds study or research stays in Germany for up to five months, focusing on environmental journalism, political ecology, and sustainable development. Eligible applicants must be between 25 and 38 years old, possess professional experience, and hold citizenship in countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, or Uzbekistan. While the foundation provides administrative support and facilitates contacts, the fellowship includes a monthly stipend and travel allowances to cover living and research expenses in Germany. Applications are accepted twice a year, with deadlines on 01 July and 01 January. Find out more