UNESCO AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027 (Fully Funded)

The UNESCO AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027 offer a fully funded professional development opportunity for environmental practitioners working in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves across Africa. The programme is designed to strengthen participants' knowledge and practical skills in ecosystem restoration, sustainable land management, and environmental conservation through advanced training in Iceland.

Organized through a partnership between UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and the GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT), the fellowship brings together professionals committed to restoring degraded landscapes and promoting sustainable development. Participants gain hands-on experience, collaborate with experts, and develop practical solutions that can be applied in their home countries.

The fellowship is ideal for professionals who are actively involved in land restoration projects and want to enhance their technical expertise while joining an international network of environmental leaders.

About UNESCO

The UNESCO AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships were established to build the capacity of professionals working to restore ecosystems and improve environmental sustainability across Africa. The programme combines classroom learning, field visits, practical training, and independent project work to provide participants with knowledge they can immediately apply in their institutions and communities.

Throughout the fellowship, participants explore topics such as ecosystem restoration, sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and natural resource management. Fellows also work closely with specialists and fellow participants from different African countries, creating valuable opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

By the end of the programme, participants are expected to return home equipped with practical skills and innovative approaches that support sustainable environmental management within UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows receive comprehensive financial support throughout the programme.

Benefits include:

• Full tuition and training costs
• Round-trip international airfare
• Monthly living stipend
• Accommodation support
• Health insurance during the fellowship
• Field training and practical learning activities
• Supervision of an individual land restoration project
• A GRÓ LRT Diploma upon successful completion
• 30 ECTS postgraduate credits awarded by the Agricultural University of Iceland

These benefits allow participants to focus entirely on learning, professional development, and research without financial concerns.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the programme requirements before applying.

Eligible candidates should:

• Be under 40 years of age.
• Hold a university degree in environmental science, ecology, forestry, agriculture, geography, natural resource management, or another relevant discipline.
• Have at least one year of professional experience in ecosystem restoration or sustainable land management within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• Be actively involved in restoration activities through their employer.
• Demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Receive institutional support from their employer, including approval for study leave and a commitment to return to their position after completing the fellowship.

The programme seeks applicants who are committed to applying the knowledge gained to strengthen restoration efforts in their home countries.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents before beginning the online application:

• Completed online application form
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic certificates and transcripts
• Proof of employment
• Supporting documents requested by the programme
• Institutional endorsement where required

All application materials should be carefully prepared and submitted before the deadline.

Selection Process

Applications are evaluated based on academic qualifications, professional experience, leadership potential, and the applicant's role in land restoration activities. The selection process also considers the potential impact the fellowship will have on restoration work within the applicant's institution and community.

Successful candidates are expected to actively participate throughout the programme and share the knowledge and skills acquired upon returning to their countries.

How To Apply

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official GRÓ LRT application portal.
2. Review the fellowship requirements carefully.
3. Complete the online application form.
4. Upload all required supporting documents.
5. Submit the application before the closing date.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues and to ensure all required documents are complete.