Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The heartbeat of Southeast Asia is inextricably linked to the tides. For the nations spanning the coasts of Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, the ocean is not merely a resource; it is the lifeblood of their economies, the guardian of their biodiversity, and the frontline of a rapidly warming planet.
Yet, this vital aquatic landscape is under siege. From the crushing weight of overfishing and the scourge of bottom trawling to the suffocating spread of marine pollution, the crisis is mounting. The stories of these waters are the most important narratives of our time, yet the voices capable of telling them are often silenced by a lack of resources, training, and opportunity.
That silence ends now.
A Beacon for Environmental Storytellers
Mongabay is launching the Southeast Asia Ocean Reporting Fellowship, a transformative initiative designed to empower early- and mid-career journalists to become the architects of change. This is more than a reporting project; it is a launchpad for a career defined by impact, rigor, and global influence.
By bridging the gap between raw talent and editorial excellence, this fellowship offers a rare gateway for journalists to step onto the international stage. Whether your ambition is to master investigative techniques, refine your narrative craft, or delve deep into the complex world of community-led conservation, this program provides the tools, mentorship, and network to turn passion into profession.
The Opportunity: Six Months of Transformation
Beginning September 1, 2026, and running through February 28, 2027, five selected fellows will embed themselves within the ranks of Mongabay’s Global Bureau.
This is not a passive observation role. You will be in the trenches of international journalism:
Deep Mentorship: Work side-by-side with seasoned Mongabay editors to sharpen your pitches, conduct high-stakes interviews, and navigate the nuances of journalism ethics, safety, and security.
The Portfolio Builder: Commit to 10 hours of remote work per week to produce four to six original, English-language stories. These will not just be articles—they will be your proof of concept, published on a premier international platform.
The Network: Become part of a vibrant, growing global community of environmental journalists. You will learn from your peers, build lasting professional ties, and position yourself as a future regular contributor to Mongabay.
Financial Support: Each fellow will receive a total stipend of $3,000 USD ($500 per month) to support their dedication to this critical mission.
Are You the Voice the Ocean Needs?
Mongabay is looking for more than just writers; they are looking for truth-seekers. They are searching for early- to mid-career environmental journalists who possess at least two years of experience, a burning curiosity about ocean health, and the talent to identify the stories that matter most.
If you have a knack for turning complex data into compelling narrative, and if you are based in a coastal Southeast Asian nation, this is your moment. Mongabay is deeply committed to diversity and welcomes applicants from backgrounds historically under-represented in the field.
Eligibility Checklist:
Fluency: High-level English proficiency in reporting and writing.
Location: Based in a coastal Southeast Asian country (Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, or Vietnam).
Experience: A minimum of two years of journalism experience.
Drive: The ability to work independently, remotely, and commit to the 10-hour weekly requirement.
How to Answer the Call
The path to the fellowship is as rigorous as the work itself. Candidates must submit:
A Resume: (Max 2 pages).
A Compelling Cover Letter: (Max 1 page) detailing your career goals and exactly why you are the journalist to capture the story of Southeast Asia's changing seas.
Two Writing Samples: Original, English-language pieces that showcase your best work—at least one of which should focus on ocean-related issues.
Crucial Note: Your voice must be your own. Applications created with generative AI will be immediately disqualified. Mongabay is looking for the authentic, sharp, and original perspective that only a human journalist can provide.
The Deadline is Approaching
The window to submit your application is open from May 14 to June 25, 2026 (23:59 UTC). Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, the urgency is real—the earlier you apply, the sooner your work will be in the hands of the editorial team.
The ocean is telling its story. Are you ready to tell it to the world?
[Apply to the Southeast Asia Ocean Reporting Fellowship today and help redefine the future of environmental journalism.]
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