Professionals working in ecosystem restoration across Africa now have the opportunity to strengthen their skills through the 2027 AfriMAB GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships.
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This fellowship is jointly offered by AfriMAB, the network of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Africa, and the GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT) in Iceland. It provides fully funded postgraduate training for professionals involved in restoring degraded land and promoting sustainable land management.
Selected fellows will spend six months at the Agricultural University of Iceland, where they will complete advanced coursework, participate in practical field training, and develop an individual restoration project that addresses the needs of their home institution.
2027 AfriMAB GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships Summary table
| Fellowship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | AfriMAB GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships |
| Host Country | Iceland |
| Host Institution | Agricultural University of Iceland |
| Organisers | AfriMAB and GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT) |
| Fellowship Duration | 6 Months |
| Programme Start | 26 February 2027 |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Applicants | Professionals working in African UNESCO Biosphere Reserves |
| Qualification Award | GRÓ LRT Diploma and 30 ECTS Postgraduate Credits |
| Application Deadline | 10 September 2026 |
About the AfriMAB GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships
The AfriMAB GRÓ LRT Fellowship was created to strengthen ecosystem restoration efforts across African UNESCO Biosphere Reserves by providing advanced professional training in sustainable land restoration.
The programme is hosted by the Agricultural University of Iceland, where fellows spend six months combining classroom learning with practical field experience.
The first half of the programme focuses on lectures, specialised coursework, practical training, and field visits. During the second half, fellows complete an individual restoration project designed around the needs of their home institution and professional responsibilities.
After successfully completing the programme, fellows receive:
- A GRÓ LRT Diploma.
- 30 ECTS postgraduate credits awarded by the Agricultural University of Iceland.
The programme supports the goals of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and strengthens restoration work within UNESCO Biosphere Reserves across Africa.
Fellowship benefits
- Full tuition and academic expenses.
- International travel to and from Iceland.
- Comprehensive health insurance.
- A monthly living stipend that covers living expenses during the programme.
- Practical field training.
- Individual research and restoration project supervision.
- A GRÓ LRT Diploma.
- 30 ECTS postgraduate university credits.
- Opportunities to build international professional networks.
In addition, the fellow’s home institution is expected to:
- Grant six months of study leave.
- Continue paying the fellow’s salary and employment benefits.
- Reinstate the fellow to their position after completing the programme.
Fellowship structure
The programme runs for six months.
First 12 weeks
Participants complete:
- Introductory courses.
- Advanced specialised courses.
- Practical laboratory and field training.
- Educational field trips.
Final 12 weeks
Each fellow develops an individual land restoration project based on:
- Their professional experience.
- Their academic background.
- The restoration needs of their home institution.
Eligibility requirements
Professional role
Applicants should hold an important role in ecosystem restoration activities within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Academic qualification
Applicants should possess at least one university degree relevant to areas such as:
- Ecology.
- Environmental Management.
- Environmental Studies.
- Natural Sciences.
- Other related disciplines.
Applicants with extensive relevant professional experience can also be considered even if they do not fully meet the academic qualification requirement.
Work experience
Applicants must have at least one year of relevant experience working within a biosphere reserve.
English language
Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in English, including speaking, reading, and writing.
Age requirement
Applicants must be under 40 years of age.
Required documents
Applicants must upload the following documents in PDF format.
- Letter of motivation.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Letter of endorsement from the biosphere reserve where they work.
- Letter of endorsement from the National MAB Focal Point or MAB Committee.
- Academic certificates.
Only complete applications will be considered.
Step by step application process
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
Ensure you meet the academic, professional, language, and age requirements.
Step 2: Prepare your application documents
Gather all required documents and convert them to PDF format.
Step 3: Obtain endorsement letters
Secure endorsement letters from:
- Your biosphere reserve.
- Your country’s National MAB Focal Point or MAB Committee.
Step 4: Complete the online application
Upload all required documents through the official online application system before the deadline.
Step 5: Await the selection results
Applications are jointly reviewed by GRÓ LRT and the UNESCO MAB Secretariat.
Important dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Now Open |
| Application Deadline | 10 September 2026 |
| Fellowship Start | 26 February 2027 |
| Programme Duration | 6 Months |
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR APPLICATION
Frequently asked questions
Who organises the fellowship?
The fellowship is jointly organised by AfriMAB and the GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT).
Which country hosts the fellowship?
Iceland.
Which university hosts the programme?
The Agricultural University of Iceland.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes. It covers tuition, travel, health insurance, and provides a living stipend.
How long is the fellowship?
Six months.
When does the programme begin?
26 February 2027.
Who can apply?
Professionals working in African UNESCO Biosphere Reserves who meet the programme requirements.
What academic background is required?
Applicants should have a university degree in ecology, environmental management, natural sciences, or another related discipline.
Is work experience required?
Yes. Applicants must have at least one year of relevant experience in a biosphere reserve.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. Applicants must be under 40 years of age.
Is English proficiency required?
Yes. Applicants must be able to speak, read, and write in English.
What qualification do fellows receive?
Participants receive a GRÓ LRT Diploma and 30 ECTS postgraduate credits from the Agricultural University of Iceland.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit a motivation letter, CV, endorsement letters, and academic certificates.
Does the fellowship include practical training?
Yes. The programme combines coursework, field training, and an individual restoration project.
Will my employer continue paying my salary?
The programme requests the nominating institution to continue paying the fellow’s salary and employment benefits during the fellowship.
Is accommodation included?
Living expenses are covered through the fellowship stipend.
Who evaluates the applications?
GRÓ LRT and the UNESCO MAB Secretariat jointly evaluate all eligible applications.
Can applicants without the required degree apply?
In some cases, applicants with significant relevant professional experience may still be considered.
What is the application deadline?
10 September 2026.
Why should eligible professionals apply?
The fellowship provides fully funded international training, postgraduate academic credits, practical restoration experience, and the opportunity to apply advanced knowledge to ecosystem restoration projects in African biosphere reserves.
