AfriMAB, a network of UNESCO biosphere reserves in Africa, is teaming up with Iceland's GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme to launch a fellowship program for 2027. This is a unique chance for African professionals working on ecosystem restoration to get hands-on training at the Agricultural University of Iceland.
The six-month program is fully funded and includes a postgraduate diploma and university credits. What's special about this opportunity is that the training is tailored to the specific needs of each participant's institution, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
The fellowship is a response to the calls made by the 2023 AfriMAB General Assembly and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which highlight the growing importance of restoration work globally.
AfriMAB and GRÓ aim to support African professionals in their efforts to restore ecosystems and promote sustainable development. The program is a rare combination of academic training and practical experience, allowing participants to work on a restoration project that addresses the real needs of their institution.
Upon completing the program, participants will return home with a postgraduate diploma and university credits, ready to apply their new skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in their communities.
Key Details
The deadline to apply is September 10, 2026. If you're selected, you'll start your six-month fellowship on February 26, 2027, at the Agricultural University of Iceland. What's great about this opportunity is that GRÓ LRT is looking to train at least two fellows from African biosphere reserves in the 2027 cohort. And the best part? The fellowship is fully funded, so you won't have to worry about a thing - they'll cover your tuition and academic expenses, travel costs, health insurance, and even provide a full living stipend for the entire six months you're in Iceland.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, you need to be under 40 years old and have a key role in restoring ecosystems within a biosphere reserve. You should also have a university degree in a field like ecology, natural sciences, or environmental management. It's not just about the degree, though - you need to have at least a year of experience working directly within a biosphere reserve. And since English is the main language used throughout the program, you must be able to speak, read, and write it fluently. This is crucial for effective communication and participation in the GRÓ LRT program.
It's worth mentioning that the GRÓ LRT has been known to consider candidates who may not have all the required academic qualifications, as long as they have a lot of practical experience in a relevant field. So, even if someone doesn't have the typical educational background, they can still be a strong contender if they have a proven track record of doing restoration work on the ground. This approach shows that the GRÓ LRT values hands-on experience and is willing to look beyond formal education requirements in some cases.
To be considered for this program, it's not just about the individual's desire to participate - their employer has to be fully on board as well. This means the organization they work for needs to be willing to give them a six-month leave of absence, keep paying their salary and benefits while they're away, and then welcome them back to their old job when they return. So, applicants need to have their employer's genuine support and commitment before they can even think about applying. It's a team effort, really - the individual and their institution have to be in this together, rather than the person just deciding to do it on their own.
What the Fellowship Covers
The program is divided into two main parts. First, there's a 12-week period where participants take classes, both basic and advanced, and get hands-on experience through training and field trips. After that, the next 12 weeks are spent on a personal project that each participant creates based on their own field of study and the specific needs of their home institution when it comes to restoration. When they finish the program, participants get 30 credits at the postgraduate level from the Agricultural University of Iceland, plus a formal diploma from GRÓ LRT.
The connections made during the program are just as important as the academic and technical skills learned. For example, a fellow from Cameroon who was part of the 2026 cohort said that the experience helped them build strong relationships with other fellows, alumni, and staff. They also gained a new perspective on life, both personally and professionally, from living and working in Iceland. This experience not only broadened their views but also created a network of meaningful connections that will last a lifetime.
Required Documents
To apply, you'll need to send in a few documents. First, write a letter explaining why you're motivated to apply. You'll also need to include your CV, which should give a good overview of your experience and skills. On top of that, get a letter from the biosphere reserve where you work, saying they support your application. You'll also need a letter from the national MAB Focal Point or MAB Committee in your country, endorsing you as well. Lastly, throw in any certificates you have that show your academic achievements. Make sure all these documents are in PDF format, then upload them through the online application form.
Application Process
- Please verify that your organization will provide a full six-month leave of absence for study purposes, and that you will continue to receive your salary and benefits during this time.
- Secure a letter of endorsement from your biosphere reserve
- Get a second letter of support from the national committee that handles Man and the Biosphere issues in your country.
- Prepare your letter of motivation, CV, and academic certificates
- To apply, please submit all your documents in PDF format using the official application form, which can be found at grocentre.is/lrt/moya/formbuilder/index/index/application-form-afrimab-gro-lrt-land-restoration-fellowship-2026. Make
- Submit before 10 September 2026
Major Considerations
When applying, keep in mind that GRÓ LRT and the MAB Secretariat review applications together, so it's crucial to get everything just right. This means getting the two required endorsement letters sorted out early on, rather than leaving it to the last minute. The thing is, these letters depend on other people's schedules, not just yours. With only a couple of fellowship spots available for African biosphere reserves in this round, the competition is going to be fierce. If you don't have a solid, well-thought-out restoration project idea that fits your home institution's needs, your application might not stand out as much as those that do. It's really important to have a clear plan in place beforehand, so your application is as strong as it can be.
This fellowship is really suited for people who already have a stable job at a biosphere reserve, rather than those looking to break into the field. The reason is that it requires a big commitment from your institution, including giving you full study leave while still paying your salary. This makes it a better fit for professionals who are already valued and secure in their position, rather than someone trying to use the fellowship as a way to get their foot in the door.
Should You Apply?
This program is perfect for young African professionals, under 40, who are already making a name for themselves in a prominent role within a biosphere reserve. To be a strong candidate, you should have the backing of your institution for a six-month study leave, and a solid restoration project idea that aligns with your institution's needs.
However, if you don't have a role in a biosphere reserve or your employer isn't willing to give you extended leave, this might not be the best fit for you - these two things are crucial to a complete application.
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