Application Deadline: 10 September 2026
Professionals working on ecosystem restoration across Africa now have an opportunity to strengthen their technical expertise through the UNESCO AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Fellowships 2027. The fellowship offers fully funded training in Iceland, equipping participants with advanced knowledge and practical skills to restore degraded landscapes and promote sustainable land management in African biosphere reserves.
Hosted by the Agricultural University of Iceland, the six-month programme combines classroom learning, practical fieldwork, and an individual restoration project designed to address environmental challenges in each fellow’s home institution. Participants who successfully complete the programme will earn a GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme Diploma along with 30 ECTS postgraduate credits.
Programme Summary
- Host Country: Iceland
- Host Institution: Agricultural University of Iceland
- Programme: UNESCO AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027
- Eligible Region: African countries
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Programme Duration: 6 Months (Beginning 26 February 2027)
- Application Deadline: 10 September 2026
About the UNESCO AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Fellowship
The UNESCO AfriMAB and GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ-LRT) collaborate to strengthen land restoration efforts across Africa by providing advanced professional training for experts working in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.
The fellowship is specifically designed for professionals actively involved in restoring degraded ecosystems. During the programme, fellows spend:
- First 12 weeks: Intensive academic courses, laboratory sessions, field excursions, and practical restoration training.
- Final 12 weeks: Development of an individual land restoration project tailored to the environmental needs of their home biosphere reserve or institution.
Upon returning home, fellows are expected to apply their newly acquired skills to support sustainable ecosystem restoration initiatives within their countries.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial support, including:
- Full tuition fees
- International return airfare
- Health insurance
- Monthly living stipend
- Academic materials and training costs
- Fieldwork and practical learning opportunities
- 30 ECTS postgraduate university credits
- GRÓ-LRT Diploma upon successful completion
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should:
- Be actively involved in ecosystem restoration activities within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Africa.
- Hold at least one university degree in a relevant discipline such as:
- Ecology
- Environmental Management
- Natural Sciences
- Environmental Studies
- Related fields
- Have a minimum of one year of relevant professional experience in a biosphere reserve.
- Demonstrate good English communication skills (spoken and written).
- Be under 40 years of age at the time of application.
Applicants with extensive professional experience in land restoration may also be considered even if they do not fully meet the academic qualification requirement.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must upload the following documents in PDF format:
- Motivation Letter
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Endorsement Letter from their Biosphere Reserve
- Endorsement Letter from their country’s National MAB Committee or MAB Focal Point
- Academic certificates and transcripts
Selection Process
Applications are jointly reviewed by the GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme and the UNESCO MAB Secretariat.
Only complete applications that satisfy all eligibility requirements will be considered for selection.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the online application form and upload all required supporting documents before the deadline.
Official Application Page: Apply for the UNESCO AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027
Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin securing their endorsement letters early, as these are mandatory components of the application.
Application Deadline
10 September 2026
