Deadline: September 15, 2025
The UNESCO AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded programme designed to build the capacity of African professionals working in biosphere reserves. Organised by UNESCO under its Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, in partnership with the GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT) in Iceland, this fellowship equips participants with advanced skills in ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management.
If you are a young professional committed to restoring degraded lands in Africa’s biosphere reserves, this fellowship could be the life-changing opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
About the UNESCO AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2026
The fellowship provides in-depth training in land restoration over six months, combining academic coursework, field visits, and an applied project developed with the fellow’s home institution. The aim is to empower African restoration leaders to drive impactful, science-based interventions in their home countries.
This initiative also supports UNESCO’s Strategic Action Plan under the MAB Programme and aligns with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030).
Programme Duration and Structure
- Duration: 27 February – 27 August 2026
- First 12 Weeks: Coursework, specialist training, and field visits across Iceland.
- Last 12 Weeks: An individualised project designed with the fellow’s home institution, ensuring that skills gained translate into practical change back home.
- Certification: Participants graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainable Land Management (30 ECTS) from the Agricultural University of Iceland.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows receive a fully funded package that covers:
- Full tuition and academic fees
- Round-trip airfare to Iceland
- Health insurance
- Monthly living stipend for the six-month stay
Who Can Apply
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be under 40 years old
- Work in an African biosphere reserve in a role directly linked to restoration
- Hold at least one year of relevant professional experience
- Possess a relevant university degree or exceptional professional experience in restoration
- Be fluent in English
- Have their home institution’s support for:
- Six-month study leave
- Continued salary and benefits during training
- A guaranteed return to the position after the fellowship
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following via the online application form:
- Letter of motivation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Endorsement letter from your biosphere reserve
- Endorsement letter from your national MAB Focal Point or MAB Committee
Only complete applications that meet all eligibility requirements will be considered.
Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated jointly by GRÓ LRT and the UNESCO MAB Secretariat. Final selections will be made based on professional merit, institutional support, and the potential for long-term impact in the applicant’s home biosphere reserve.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Ecosystem degradation is a critical threat to biodiversity, livelihoods, and climate stability. This fellowship directly addresses the urgent need for skilled restoration leaders in Africa. By investing in professionals working within biosphere reserves, the programme ensures that training leads to tangible, on-the-ground results.
The fellowship also ties into UNESCO’s broader agenda, including the forthcoming Strategic Action Plan to be presented at the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China in September 2025.
Key Details at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Period | 27 February – 27 August 2026 |
| Number of Fellowships | Minimum of two fully funded spots |
| Eligibility | African biosphere reserve professionals under 40, with relevant qualifications/experience |
| Coverage | Tuition, travel, insurance, stipend |
| Outcome | Postgraduate Diploma (30 ECTS) in Ecosystem Restoration & Sustainable Land Management |
| Deadline | 15 September 2025 |
| Documents Required | Motivation letter, CV, biosphere reserve endorsement, national MAB endorsement |
Application Deadline
15 September 2025 – Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Apply Now:
- Click here to apply for the UNESCO AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2026
- Read more about the programme
For expert proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact grantsdatabase.org.
