UNESCO 2026 AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships

Hosted in a UNESCO Category 2 Centre in Iceland, the GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT) is offering two fully funded fellowships for African biosphere reserve professionals engaged in restoration activities.

Every year, the GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT) in Iceland brings together professionals from across the globe for an intensive six-month postgraduate-level course in ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management. Hosted at the Agricultural University of Iceland, the programme combines academic coursework, hands-on field training, and an individual project tailored to each participant’s professional needs.

In 2026, a minimum of two fully funded fellowships will be awarded to African biosphere reserve professionals actively engaged in restoration work. Fellows will gain cutting-edge knowledge, practical tools, and an international network to help them address environmental challenges in their home countries.

• Table of Content
• About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
• AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships
• Aim and Benefits of AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships
• Requirements for AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture. UNESCO's programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in Agenda 2030, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015. Political and economic arrangements of governments are not enough to secure the lasting and sincere support of the peoples. Peace must be founded upon dialogue and mutual understanding. Peace must be built upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of humanity. I... continue reading

AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships

Aim and Benefits of AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships

The 2026 programme 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

Requirements for AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships Qualification

Candidates must:

• 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.

The home institution must:

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

Interview date, Process and Venue for AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships

The first 12 weeks focus on courses, specialized training, and field visits across Iceland. The final 12 weeks are devoted to an individual project, designed in collaboration with the Fellow’s home institution to ensure direct application upon return. Graduates receive a Postgraduate Diploma in Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainable Land Management (30 ECTS).

Check also:
Tony Elumelu Foundation African Entrepreneurship Programme 2026

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Submit the following until 15 September 2025 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.

For more details, visit Fellowships webpage