2026 UNESCO AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships

Applications are now open for the 2026 UNESCO AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships, offering African biosphere reserve professionals the opportunity to engage in a fully funded training program in Iceland.

📖 About UNESCO AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships

The GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT), hosted at a UNESCO Category 2 Centre in Iceland, provides an intensive six-month postgraduate-level course in ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management.

Key Details:

• Date Published: August 13, 2025
• Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
• Category: Fellowship, Fully Funded
• Opportunity Location: Iceland
• Eligible Locations: Africa

Program Overview:

The program combines academic coursework, hands-on field training, and an individual project tailored to each participant’s professional needs. Fellows will gain cutting-edge knowledge, practical tools, and an international network to address environmental challenges in their home countries.

In 2026, a minimum of two fully funded fellowships will be awarded to African biosphere reserve professionals actively engaged in restoration work.

🎁 Benefits of UNESCO AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships

The 2026 program runs from 27 February to 27 August 2026 and includes:

• Full tuition and academic expenses
• Round-trip travel
• Health insurance
• Monthly stipend for living costs

Program Structure:

1. First 12 Weeks: Courses, specialized training, and field visits across Iceland.
2. Final 12 Weeks: Individual project designed in collaboration with the Fellow’s home institution to ensure direct application upon return.

Graduates will receive a Postgraduate Diploma in Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainable Land Management (30 ECTS).

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Candidate Requirements:

• Hold a prominent role in ecosystem restoration within a biosphere reserve.
• Have at least one relevant university degree (e.g., ecology, natural sciences, environmental management).
• Possess at least one year of experience in a biosphere reserve.
• Be proficient in English.
• Be under 40 years old.

In exceptional cases, extensive relevant experience may substitute for a degree.

Home Institution Requirements:

• Approve a six-month study leave.
• Maintain the Fellow’s salary and benefits during training.
• Guarantee the Fellow’s return to their position.

📅 Application Date and Process

Deadline:

15 September 2025

Required Documents:

Submit the following via the online form:

1. Letter of motivation
2. CV
3. Endorsement from your biosphere reserve
4. Endorsement from your national MAB Focal Point or MAB Committee

Applications will be reviewed by GRÓ LRT and the UNESCO MAB Secretariat. Only complete applications meeting all requirements will be considered.

🌟 Contact Information

For more details, visit the UNESCO AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships page.

Apply directly via the application portal.

• Full tuition and academic expenses
• Round-trip travel
• Health insurance
• Monthly stipend for living costs