The UNESCO AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027 offer a fully-funded, six-month training program in Iceland for professionals from African biosphere reserves, focusing on ecosystem restoration. Successful candidates will receive a postgraduate diploma and university credits, with all program expenses, travel, health insurance, and living costs covered. Applicants must be under 40, hold a relevant university degree, have at least one year of experience in a biosphere reserve, and be proficient in English.
By UNESCO AfriMAB and GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT)
The UNESCO AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027 are now open for applications. This joint fellowship program is a collaboration between AfriMAB, the network of UNESCO biosphere reserves across Africa, and Iceland's GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT). The program targets professionals from African biosphere reserves who are actively involved in ecosystem restoration activities within their institutions. Selected fellows will embark on a six-month intensive program, commencing on February 26, 2027, at the Agricultural University of Iceland. The curriculum is designed to combine rigorous coursework with an individual restoration project. This project will be specifically tailored to address the unique needs and challenges of the fellow's home institution, ensuring practical applicability and direct impact upon their return. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be awarded a postgraduate diploma along with university credits. The fellowship is fully funded, encompassing all tuition and academic expenses, travel costs, and health insurance. Additionally, a stipend will be provided to cover all living expenses during the six-month stay in Iceland. Nominating institutions are expected to grant full study leave, continue salary and benefits, and reinstate the fellow in their position. This fellowship aims to enhance the capacity of African professionals in land restoration, equipping them with advanced knowledge and practical skills to contribute significantly to the sustainability and ecological health of their respective biosphere reserves. It fosters international collaboration and knowledge exchange in the critical field of ecosystem restoration.
Applicants should hold a prominent role in ecosystem restoration activity within a biosphere reserve, and hold at least one university degree relevant to GRÓ LRT's field of work, such as ecology, natural sciences, environmental management or studies, and related disciplines. In some cases, GRÓ LRT has accepted candidates who do not fulfill the education requirement but bring extensive working experience in a relevant area.