UNESCO AfriMAB , in collaboration with Iceland’s GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT), has officially opened applications for the 2027 AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowship. This fully funded fellowship is designed for professionals working within African biosphere reserves who are committed to advancing ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management practices.
Fellowship Overview
The 2027 AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT fellowship offers a six-month, hands-on program hosted at the Agricultural University of Iceland. Fellows will engage in a blend of coursework and practical restoration projects tailored to the needs of their home institutions. Upon completion, participants will earn a postgraduate diploma and university credits, equipping them with the skills to make a significant impact in their respective biosphere reserves.
The fellowship covers full tuition, travel, health insurance, and a living stipend, ensuring that participants can focus fully on their professional development and fieldwork during the six-month stay in Iceland.
Key Learning Outcomes
Fellows participating in this program will:
- Gain specialized knowledge in land restoration and sustainable management practices.
- Develop and implement an individual restoration project aligned with their biosphere reserve’s requirements.
- Build networks with international peers, alumni, and expert faculty to enhance professional collaboration.
- Receive 30 ECTS credits and a GRÓ LRT diploma, enabling recognition of their advanced academic and practical training.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be under 40 years old at the time of application.
- Hold at least one relevant university degree in ecology, environmental management, natural sciences, or related fields.
- Have a minimum of one year of relevant work experience in a biosphere reserve engaged in ecosystem restoration.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English, the working language of the program.
Required Application Documents
To be considered for the fellowship, candidates must submit:
- A letter of motivation highlighting professional goals and commitment to ecosystem restoration.
- An up-to-date CV.
- Letters of endorsement from the candidate’s biosphere reserve and the national MAB Focal Point or MAB Committee.
- Certificates of academic achievement.
All documents must be uploaded as PDF attachments via the online application portal.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by September 10, 2026. Incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Why Apply?
The AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT fellowship represents a rare opportunity for ecosystem restoration professionals in Africa to:
- Enhance technical skills in land restoration and conservation science.
- Access internationally recognized training and certification.
- Contribute directly to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the MAB Programme’s global initiatives.
- Expand professional networks with fellow practitioners and experts across the globe.
Contact and More Information
For further information, applicants may contact:
- GRÓ LRT: grolrt@grolrt.is
- UNESCO MAB Secretariat: mab@unesco.org
Applicants are encouraged to visit the GRÓ LRT Fellowship page for program details, application instructions, and updates.
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