Applications Open for the AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027 (Fully Funded) Admin, July 24, 2026July 24, 2026 Application Deadline: September 10, 2026. As the world intensifies efforts to restore degraded ecosystems and combat climate change, skilled professionals in environmental restoration are becoming increasingly essential. Applications are now open for the AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027, a prestigious fully funded international training programme that equips African professionals with advanced knowledge and practical skills in ecosystem restoration. The fellowship offers selected participants the opportunity to spend six months in Iceland at the Agricultural University of Iceland, where they will receive postgraduate-level training in sustainable land management, restoration science, and applied research. Beyond technical learning, fellows will collaborate with experts and practitioners from around the world while developing practical solutions they can implement in their home countries. Africa is home to some of the world’s most valuable ecosystems, yet many landscapes continue to face degradation due to climate change, deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, and rapid urbanization. Initiatives such as the AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Fellowship play a vital role in strengthening local expertise and supporting long-term environmental resilience across the continent. If you are a professional working in ecosystem restoration within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to enhance your expertise while contributing to global restoration efforts. About the AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships The AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowship is a collaborative initiative between AfriMAB, the network of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves across Africa, and Iceland’s GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT). The programme aligns with the objectives of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) and responds to the growing need for qualified professionals capable of restoring degraded ecosystems and promoting sustainable land management across Africa. Hosted annually by the Agricultural University of Iceland, the fellowship combines academic instruction with extensive practical learning. Participants complete a six-month programme divided into two phases: Phase One: Coursework and Practical Training During the first twelve weeks, fellows participate in: Postgraduate-level lectures Specialized restoration courses Field excursions across Iceland Practical laboratory and field-based learning Collaborative learning with international experts Phase Two: Individual Restoration Project In the final twelve weeks, each fellow develops an independent restoration project designed around: Their professional expertise The restoration priorities of their home institution Practical solutions applicable within their biosphere reserve Upon successful completion, fellows receive: A GRÓ-LRT Diploma 30 ECTS postgraduate university credits International professional recognition in ecosystem restoration More importantly, fellows return home equipped to strengthen restoration initiatives within their organizations and communities. Benefits of the Fellowship Selected fellows receive a comprehensive fully funded package that includes: Fully paid tuition and academic fees Round-trip international airfare to Iceland Comprehensive health insurance Monthly living stipend covering accommodation and daily expenses Six months of postgraduate training at the Agricultural University of Iceland Field visits and hands-on restoration experience Access to international experts and researchers Networking opportunities with professionals from multiple countries A postgraduate diploma and 30 ECTS university credits Opportunity to develop a restoration project tailored to their home institution The programme also enables fellows to become long-term contributors to ecosystem restoration across Africa. Who Can Apply? The fellowship is designed for professionals actively working within African UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. Applicants should: Be under 40 years of age Hold at least one university degree in a relevant discipline such as: Ecology Environmental Management Environmental Studies Natural Sciences Related fields Have at least one year of professional experience working within a biosphere reserve Be actively involved in ecosystem restoration activities Demonstrate proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking) In exceptional circumstances, applicants without a formal degree may still be considered if they possess extensive relevant professional experience. Institutional Requirements The applicant’s employing institution must: Nominate the candidate Grant six months of study leave Continue paying the participant’s salary and employment benefits Reinstate the fellow after completing the programme Required Application Documents Applicants should prepare the following documents before beginning the online application: Letter of motivation Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) Letter of endorsement from the biosphere reserve where they work Letter of endorsement from their country’s MAB National Focal Point or MAB Committee Academic certificates All documents must be submitted in PDF format through the online application portal. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application Process and Key Dates Interested applicants should carefully complete the online application before the deadline. Application Deadline 10 September 2026 Programme Duration 26 February 2027 – August 2027 (approximately six months) How to Apply Applicants should: Confirm they meet all eligibility requirements. Obtain institutional endorsements early. Prepare all required documents in PDF format. Complete the online application before the closing date. Review the application thoroughly before submission. Because endorsement letters often require institutional approval, applicants are encouraged to begin preparations well before the deadline. Why You Should Apply Environmental restoration has become one of the defining global priorities of this decade. Governments, NGOs, research institutions, and conservation organizations increasingly seek professionals with practical expertise in sustainable land management and ecosystem recovery. The AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Fellowship provides far more than academic training. Participants gain exposure to innovative restoration techniques tested in Iceland while learning how to adapt those approaches to African ecosystems. For professionals working within biosphere reserves, the fellowship offers an opportunity to strengthen leadership capacity, improve institutional impact, and contribute directly to national and international restoration goals. Beyond technical knowledge, fellows become part of an international network of restoration practitioners committed to addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. Tips for a Strong Application To improve your chances of selection: Clearly explain your restoration experience in your motivation letter. Demonstrate how the fellowship aligns with your long-term career goals. Highlight measurable environmental achievements from your previous work. Show how your proposed learning will benefit your biosphere reserve. Request endorsement letters well ahead of the deadline. Carefully proofread every document before submission. Selection committees typically look for applicants who can apply their new knowledge to create lasting impact within their institutions and communities. Conclusion The AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027 represent one of Africa’s most valuable fully funded opportunities for environmental professionals. Combining postgraduate education, international exposure, practical restoration experience, and professional networking, the fellowship equips participants to lead meaningful ecosystem restoration initiatives across the continent. If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t wait until the last minute. Start gathering your documents, secure your institutional endorsements, and submit your application before 10 September 2026 .For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE Be one of the first to see new opportunities, Follow Us on social media: Facebook, Whatsapp Channel, LinkedIn Fellowships & Scholarship opportunities global opportunities