Program Overview As environmental degradation accelerates worldwide, the need for rigorous, independent environmental journalism has never been greater. Yet environmental reporting—like the broader journalism sector—continues to face shrinking resources, constrained press freedoms, and limited entry-level opportunities. These challenges are particularly acute in tropical regions that experience the most severe impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, ecosystem destruction, and threats to Indigenous peoples and local communities. In response, Mongabay established the Y. Eva Tan Conservation Reporting Fellowship Program to support young and aspiring environmental journalists from biodiversity-rich tropical countries. The fellowship provides structured training, editorial mentorship, and hands-on reporting experience, enabling fellows to produce impactful journalism while building credibility and long-term career pathways. A core objective of the program is to integrate fellows into Mongabay’s expanding global contributor network upon completion of the fellowship. About the Fellowship Program The Y. Eva Tan Conservation Reporting Fellowship builds on Mongabay’s long-running internship program, which has strengthened environmental journalism capacity since 2008. Over the years, the program has supported dozens of early-career journalists across more than a dozen countries. Alumni have gone on to work as professional reporters, communications specialists at scientific institutions and conservation organizations, and editors and contributors at Mongabay. From 2026 to 2028, the fellowship will support at least 34 fellows per year, organized into language-specific cohorts: 16 English-language fellows in the Mongabay Global Bureau Including five fellows focused on ocean reporting in Southeast Asia Six Spanish-language fellows at Mongabay Latam Six Bahasa Indonesia-language fellows at Mongabay Indonesia Six Portuguese-language fellows in the Global Bureau In addition, Mongabay offers a French-language fellowship in Africa, with separate application details. Fellows work closely with experienced editors across Mongabay’s international newsroom, develop core reporting skills, and publish original, high-quality stories. The program is designed to help fellows build strong portfolios that support career advancement in journalism and environmental communications. About Y. Eva Tan The fellowship is named in honor of Y. Eva Tan, whose values emphasize equality, inclusion, and the conservation of natural habitats. Her vision supports opportunities for individuals regardless of national origin, ethnicity, or ability, and reflects a deep commitment to protecting both flora and fauna through knowledge, storytelling, and public engagement. Logistics and Fellowship Structure English-language fellowship period: June 1 – November 30, 2026 Application window: December 15 – February 1 Dates and application windows for other language programs may vary Key fellowship details include: Stipend: USD 500 per month (USD 3,000 total for six months) Time commitment: Approximately 10 hours per week Output: An average of one story per month, totaling six published stories Work arrangement: Fully remote Mongabay does not maintain physical offices and cannot sponsor work visas Fellows collaborate with multiple editors, including specialists in thematic and regional reporting areas, and receive continuous editorial feedback throughout the program. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet the following requirements: Be from a low- to upper-middle-income tropical country, as classified by the World Bank High-income tropical countries are not eligible Be an aspiring or early-career environmental journalist Be able to work remotely and commit at least 10 hours per week No formal education requirement; the fellowship is not affiliated with any university Submit all application materials for the English-language program in English Follow all application instructions precisely; incomplete or non-compliant applications will be disqualified Desired Experience and Selection Criteria Applicants are evaluated based on: Basic understanding of news reporting and journalistic writing Demonstrated interest in conservation and environmental issues Clear motivation to pursue environmental journalism as a career Strong communication skills Capacity to meet fellowship expectations and reporting commitments Application Requirements Applicants must complete the online application form and submit: Resume: 1–2 pages maximum Cover letter: 1 page maximum, addressing: How environmental journalism aligns with career goals Why the applicant should be selected for the fellowship One writing sample in a journalistic style (published or unpublished), preferably related to conservation or environmental issues Selection Process Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by an internal Mongabay selection team. Applicants will be notified of their status at least three weeks before the fellowship start date. Early submission is strongly encouraged. For inquiries: English-language program: Karen Coates – karen@mongabay.com Spanish-language program: Dora Montero – dora@mongabay.com About Mongabay Mongabay is a nonprofit environmental journalism organization dedicated to reporting on biodiversity, climate change, and socio-environmental justice. Through global reporting, data journalism, and capacity-building initiatives, Mongabay aims to inform, engage, and empower audiences worldwide. Apply online in English. Support independent environmental journalism by donating to Mongabay. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the fellowship organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications 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.