Apply for EJN Virtual Fellowships to cover UNCBD COP16 or UNFCCC COP29. Gain training, support, and access to major climate and biodiversity conferences.
About
At the end of 2024, two major UN conferences will take place, drawing global stakeholders to address pressing environmental issues. The UNCBD COP16 in Cali, Colombia, from October 21 to November 1, will focus on protecting and restoring biodiversity. Key discussions will revolve around aligning national strategies with the Biodiversity Plan, securing funding, and managing access and benefit-sharing of genetic resources.
The UNFCCC COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, will advance the Paris Agreement’s goals. The conference will prioritize scaling up efforts to reduce carbon emissions through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and setting a new climate finance target beyond the current $100 billion annual commitment ending in 2025.
EJN is offering virtual fellowships to support early-career environmental journalists in covering these pivotal conferences. These fellowships aim to enhance journalists’ understanding of climate and biodiversity policies, enabling them to provide insightful coverage of the UNFCCC and UNCBD negotiations.
Benefits
- Fellowship Awards:
- UNCBD COP16: Eight virtual fellowships will be awarded—four to journalists from Africa and four from Latin America.
- UNFCCC COP29: Ten virtual fellowships will be awarded—five to journalists from South Asia and five from Europe and Eurasia.
- Training and Support:
- Comprehensive Training: Fellows will receive specialized training to enhance their reporting skills.
- Mentorship: Ongoing mentorship from experienced journalists to guide and support fellows.
- Remote Reporting: Assistance and resources to facilitate effective remote coverage of the conferences.
- Engagement and Collaboration:
- Cohort Interaction: Opportunities to engage and share insights with other fellows.
- In-Person Sessions: Participation in sessions alongside in-person fellows for a comprehensive learning experience.
- Special Activities:
- Orientation Workshop: Introduction to the fellowship program and its objectives.
- Daily Briefings: Regular updates and briefings on conference developments.
- Veteran Insights: Access to insights and guidance from veteran regional journalists on the ground.
- Resources and Tools: Provision of essential tools and resources for effective reporting.
- Editing and Guidance: Support in editing and refining coverage of the negotiations and outcomes.
- Financial Support:
- Communications Stipend: A stipend of $100 to ensure consistent access to virtual fellowship activities.
Eligibility Requirements
For the CBD Virtual Fellowship (UNCBD COP16):
- Professional Status: Applicants must be professional journalists affiliated with a recognized media organization, based in Africa or Latin America.
- Commitment: Must be willing to engage in all fellowship activities, totaling up to 20 hours, including:
- Four weekly virtual training sessions (60-90 minutes each) leading up to the COP.
- 1-2-1 mentoring sessions as required.
- Daily virtual briefings (30-60 minutes) from 21 October to 1 November 2024.
- Reporting Commitment: Expected to dedicate 4-6 hours per story independently crafted from the conference.
- Internet Access: Must have reliable internet access with a speed of 1.0-1.5 mbps for Zoom participation, or use the stipend to secure adequate internet.
- Language Proficiency: Strong command of English required.
- Experience: Previous experience in reporting on biodiversity and environmental issues is needed. Applicants should specify the types of stories they wish to cover.
- Application Materials:
- Up-to-date resume/CV.
- Letter of support from an editor, producer, or supervisor confirming publication or broadcast of reports.
- Freelancers must provide a letter of support from a media outlet they plan to report for.
- Recent, relevant work samples on biodiversity topics, with a brief English synopsis. Articles can be in any language but must focus on biodiversity and have been published within the last year.
For the CCMP Virtual Fellowship (UNFCCC COP29):
- Professional Status: Applicants must be professional journalists associated with a reputable media outlet, reporting from South Asia or Europe and Eurasia.
- Commitment: Must participate in all fellowship activities, up to 20 hours, including:
- Four weekly virtual training sessions (60-90 minutes each) before the COP.
- 1-2-1 mentoring sessions as needed.
- Daily virtual briefings (30-60 minutes) from 11 to 22 November 2024.
- Reporting Commitment: Required to spend 4-6 hours on each story independently developed from the conference.
- Internet Access: Must have sufficient internet with a speed of 1.0-1.5 mbps for Zoom, or use the stipend to obtain good internet access.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is necessary.
- Experience: Prior reporting experience on climate change and environmental issues is essential. Applicants should outline their intended story topics.
- Application Materials:
- Current resume/CV.
- Letter of support from an editor, producer, or supervisor confirming the publication or broadcast of reports.
- Freelancers must provide a letter of support from the media outlet they intend to report.
- Recent work samples on climate change topics, with a brief English summary. Work can be in any language but must focus on climate change and be published within the past year.
Judging Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Relevant Experience: Proven track record in reporting on climate change for the CCMP COP29 fellowship or on biodiversity for the UNCBD COP16 fellowship.
- Reporting Plan: Submission of a preliminary plan outlining potential story angles and key issues to be explored during the conference.
- Media Affiliation: Strong connection with an established media outlet, accompanied by a signed letter of support from an editor confirming the publication or broadcast of conference coverage.
- Diversity Consideration: EJN and the CCMP seek to create a diverse group of journalists representing various media organizations, platforms, and geographic regions.