By Karmrath News Desk
Mongabay has opened applications for the Y. Eva Tan Conservation Reporting Fellowship, a six-month, fully remote program aimed at supporting aspiring and early-career journalists from tropical countries. The fellowship focuses on strengthening environmental and conservation reporting in regions that are rich in biodiversity but often underrepresented in global media coverage. Fellows will report on issues such as climate change, wildlife conservation, deforestation, land use, and environmental governance, with their work published on Mongabay’s global news platform.
The fellowship runs for a fixed six-month period and requires a modest but consistent time commitment. Selected fellows will work closely with editors and gain hands-on newsroom experience while continuing other professional or academic commitments.
- Fellowship period (English-language cohort): June 1 to November 30, 2026
- Time commitment: Approximately 10 hours per week
- Around one reported news article per month
- Approximately six original stories over the fellowship duration
Financial support is provided to ensure fellows can dedicate time to reporting and research. In addition to the stipend, editorial mentorship is a core element of the program, helping fellows improve reporting quality, storytelling, and journalistic ethics.
- Monthly stipend: USD 500
- Total fellowship support: USD 3,000 for six months
- Support includes:
- One-on-one editorial guidance
- Detailed feedback on drafts
- Assistance through the reporting and publication process
- The fellowship is fully remote
The fellowship is designed to be accessible to journalists from diverse backgrounds and does not impose rigid academic requirements. Eligibility is primarily determined by geography and career stage.
- Open to residents of low- to upper-middle-income tropical countries
- Applicants from high-income tropical countries are not eligible
- Intended for aspiring and early-career journalists
- No formal degree or university affiliation required
- Applications for the English-language cohort must be submitted in English
Applicants will be evaluated on their interest in conservation journalism and their potential to grow as reporters. Prior experience is not mandatory, but a clear motivation to pursue environmental reporting is essential.
- Demonstrated interest in environmental or conservation issues
- Basic reporting and writing ability
- Motivation to pursue journalism as a career
- Capacity to meet deadlines and editorial expectations
To apply, candidates must submit a small set of materials that outline their background and reporting potential. Writing samples may be published or unpublished.
- Resume: 1–2 pages
- Cover letter: 1 page explaining interest and career goals
- Writing sample: Preferably related to the environment or conservation
The Y. Eva Tan Conservation Reporting Fellowship plays an important role in amplifying environmental stories from regions most affected by climate change and biodiversity loss. By combining financial support, editorial mentorship, and an international publishing platform, the fellowship helps build long-term capacity in environmental journalism across the tropics.
Applications for the 2026 English-language cohort open on December 15 and close on February 1, 2026. Interested journalists are encouraged to review the fellowship guidelines carefully and submit their applications well before the deadline.
Apply Here
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