Applications are now open for the 2027 AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships, a fully funded professional development opportunity designed for specialists working in ecosystem restoration within African biosphere reserves.
The fellowship is a joint initiative between AfriMAB, the African network of UNESCO biosphere reserves, and Iceland’s GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT). The programme aims to strengthen restoration expertise across Africa by providing selected professionals with advanced training, practical experience, and international collaboration opportunities.
Successful fellows will participate in a six-month intensive training programme at the Agricultural University of Iceland beginning on 26 February 2027. The programme combines academic coursework, field-based learning, and the development of individual restoration projects aligned with the needs of participants’ home institutions.
Fully Funded Land Restoration Training Opportunity in Iceland
The AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Fellowship provides comprehensive financial support to successful candidates, allowing professionals from African biosphere reserves to participate without financial barriers.
The fellowship covers:
• Tuition fees and academic expenses
• International travel costs
• Health insurance during the programme period
• A full living stipend for the six-month stay in Iceland
• Postgraduate training and academic credits from the Agricultural University of Iceland
Institutions nominating candidates are expected to provide full study leave for participants, continue salary and employment benefits during the training period, and reinstate fellows upon completion of the programme.
The fellowship supports global efforts under the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and responds to increasing priorities around sustainable land management, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience.
Six-Month Hands-On Ecosystem Restoration Programme
The GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme provides postgraduate-level education for professionals from low- and middle-income countries working in land restoration and sustainable environmental management.
The six-month programme consists of two main phases:
• The first 12 weeks focus on theoretical coursework, specialised training, practical exercises, and field visits focused on land restoration approaches.
• The following 12 weeks involve developing an individual restoration project designed around the participant’s academic background and the needs of their organisation or biosphere reserve.
Participants who successfully complete the programme receive a GRÓ LRT diploma and 30 postgraduate-level ECTS credits from the Agricultural University of Iceland.
For the 2027 cohort, GRÓ LRT will support training opportunities for at least two professionals from African biosphere reserves actively involved in ecosystem restoration initiatives.
Eligibility Requirements for Applicants
The fellowship targets professionals who are directly engaged in ecosystem restoration activities within African biosphere reserves.
Eligible candidates must:
• Be under the age of 40 years at the time of application
• Hold at least one university degree related to ecology, environmental management, natural sciences, or related fields
• Have a minimum of one year of relevant professional experience working in a biosphere reserve
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in English, which is the programme’s working language
• Hold a significant role in restoration activities within their biosphere reserve
In exceptional cases, candidates without the formal academic qualifications may be considered if they demonstrate extensive professional experience in relevant restoration fields.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit a complete application package containing supporting documents that demonstrate their qualifications and commitment to ecosystem restoration.
Required documents include:
• A motivation letter explaining the applicant’s interest and suitability for the fellowship
• An updated curriculum vitae
• A letter of endorsement from the applicant’s biosphere reserve
• A letter of endorsement from the national MAB Focal Point or MAB Committee
• Academic certificates and evidence of educational achievements
All documents must be submitted electronically in PDF format through the official online application platform.
Applications will be jointly reviewed by GRÓ LRT and the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme Secretariat. Only complete applications that meet the eligibility criteria will be considered.
Application Deadline and Further Information
Interested professionals from African biosphere reserves are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline of 10 September 2026.
The fellowship represents an important opportunity for African environmental professionals to gain advanced restoration skills, develop practical solutions for degraded ecosystems, and contribute to sustainable development initiatives across the continent.
For additional information, applicants can contact GRÓ LRT through [email protected] or UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme through [email protected].
About AfriMAB and GRÓ LRT
AfriMAB is a regional network supporting cooperation among UNESCO biosphere reserves across Africa. The network promotes knowledge exchange, conservation efforts, sustainable development, and community engagement.
GRÓ LRT is one of the thematic programmes of the GRÓ Category 2 Centre, established in Iceland to provide specialised training in areas including land restoration, fisheries, gender, and geothermal energy. The programme supports professionals from developing regions to strengthen their capacity in sustainable resource management.
The 2027 fellowship continues efforts to build a new generation of African restoration leaders capable of addressing environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate-related challenges.
Restoration professionals working in African biosphere reserves are encouraged to take advantage of this fully funded international learning opportunity.
