Fully Funded AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027 in Iceland – Applications Open

<p class="isSelectedEnd">Applications are now open for the <strong>AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027</strong>, a fully funded six-month training opportunity in Iceland for professionals working in African biosphere reserves and engaged in ecosystem restoration, sustainable land management, and related fields.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The fellowship is jointly offered by <strong>AfriMAB</strong>, the network of UNESCO biosphere reserves in Africa, and Iceland’s <strong>GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT)</strong>. Selected fellows will undertake postgraduate-level training at the <strong>Agricultural University of Iceland</strong>, combining academic coursework, practical training, field visits, and an individual land restoration project.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The 2027 programme begins on <strong>26 February 2027</strong>, and applications must be submitted by <strong>10 September 2026</strong>.</p> <h2>AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027: Key Details</h2> <p><strong>Host Country:</strong> Iceland<br /> <strong>Host Institution:</strong> Agricultural University of Iceland<br /> <strong>Programme:</strong> GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT)<br /> <strong>Duration:</strong> Six months<br /> <strong>Start Date:</strong> 26 February 2027<br /> <strong>Funding:</strong> Fully funded<br /> <strong>Target Group:</strong> Professionals working with African biosphere reserves<br /> <strong>Age Requirement:</strong> Under 40 years<br /> <strong>Academic Award:</strong> 30 ECTS postgraduate credits and GRÓ LRT Diploma<br /> <strong>Application Deadline:</strong> 10 September 2026</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="header-node-content" data-trk="{&quot;block&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Header&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:&quot;html_element&quot;}}"> <h1 class="title article-title">Applications open for AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027</h1> <div class="section-text field field--name-field-description field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Applications are now open for the 2027 AfriMAB GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships, offering fully funded places for professionals from African biosphere reserves engaged in ecosystem restoration.</div> </div> <div class="main-node-content"> <div class="content-narrow"> <div class="media-wrapper"> <div class="media-image field field--name-field-ref-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <div class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-medium"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"><picture><source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_medium_desktop/article/2026-07/2026%20AfriMAB%20GR%C3%93%20LRT%20cohort%20.png.webp?itok=xQgCCKjq 1x" type="image/webp" media="all and (min-width: 993px)" /><source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_medium_tablet/article/2026-07/2026%20AfriMAB%20GR%C3%93%20LRT%20cohort%20.png.webp?itok=Crrij3tO 1x" type="image/webp" media="all and (min-width: 576px) and (max-width: 992px)" /><source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_medium_mobile/article/2026-07/2026%20AfriMAB%20GR%C3%93%20LRT%20cohort%20.png.webp?itok=ztXgZ0Yv 1x" type="image/webp" media="all and (max-width: 575px)" /><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="img-fluid" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.unesco.org/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_medium_desktop/article/2026-07/2026%20AfriMAB%20GR%C3%93%20LRT%20cohort%20.png.webp?resize=610%2C343&#038;ssl=1" alt="The 2026 AfriMAB GRÓ LRT cohort in Iceland, from left to right, Dese Edesa Yadeta, Neba Estherbel Bih, Etienne Murangwa and Ngaakudzwe Tinotenda Chifamba" width="610" height="343" title="Fully Funded AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027 in Iceland – Applications Open 3"></picture></div> </div> </div> <div class="media-footer"> <div class="media-copyright">GRÓ LRT/UNESCO</div> </div> </div> <div class="content-infos-wrapper"> <div class="content-date-wrapper"> <div class="created-time">17 July 2026</div> <div class="updated-time">Last update:23 July 2026</div> </div> </div> <aside class="content-summary summary-simple article"> <div class="item-list"> <h3>Summary</h3> <ul> <li class="summary-item"><a class="summary-link" href="https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/applications-open-afrimab-gro-lrt-land-restoration-fellowships-2027?fbclid=IwY2xjawTSN-9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA80MDk5NjI2MjMwODU2MDkAAR4eqXRsav5jbAsn8IJgI3SJwVY3CasRSp-A726HDx5WXe-0L19cX8G7ifx-1w_aem_wtbppPBxaSOnXT4HMhWCow#a-six-month-hands-on-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A six-month, hands-on programme</a></li> <li class="summary-item"><a class="summary-link" href="https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/applications-open-afrimab-gro-lrt-land-restoration-fellowships-2027?fbclid=IwY2xjawTSN-9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA80MDk5NjI2MjMwODU2MDkAAR4eqXRsav5jbAsn8IJgI3SJwVY3CasRSp-A726HDx5WXe-0L19cX8G7ifx-1w_aem_wtbppPBxaSOnXT4HMhWCow#conditions-and-criteria" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Conditions and criteria</a></li> <li class="summary-item"><a class="summary-link" href="https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/applications-open-afrimab-gro-lrt-land-restoration-fellowships-2027?fbclid=IwY2xjawTSN-9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA80MDk5NjI2MjMwODU2MDkAAR4eqXRsav5jbAsn8IJgI3SJwVY3CasRSp-A726HDx5WXe-0L19cX8G7ifx-1w_aem_wtbppPBxaSOnXT4HMhWCow#more-information" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More information</a></li> </ul> </div> </aside> <div class="field field--name-field-paragraphs field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div id="" class="paragraph paragraph--type--rich-text paragraph--view-mode--default" data-trk="{&quot;block&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Applications open for AfriMAB GR\u00d3-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027 \u003E Paragraphs&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:&quot;rich_text&quot;}}"> <div class="rich-text clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p>AfriMAB, the network of UNESCO biosphere reserves across Africa, and Iceland&#8217;s GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT) have opened applications for the 2027 cohort of their joint fellowship for professionals from African biosphere reserves. Selected candidates will spend six months, from 26 February 2027, at the Agricultural University of Iceland, combining coursework with an individual restoration project tailored to their home institution&#8217;s needs, before returning to their posts with a postgraduate diploma and university credits.</p> <p>The fellowship &#8211; which covers tuition, travel, health insurance, and a full living stipend &#8211; responds to the growing priority restoration has taken on within the MAB Programme&#8217;s agenda, responding to calls issued by the 2023 AfriMAB General Assembly and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.</p> <p>Candidates under the age of 40 with relevant academic and field experience have until 10 September 2026 to submit their applications.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="" class="paragraph-simple display-normal paragraph paragraph--type--media paragraph--view-mode--default" data-trk="{&quot;block&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Applications open for AfriMAB GR\u00d3-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027 \u003E Paragraphs&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:&quot;media&quot;}}"> <div class="wrapper-medias"> <div class="field field--name-field-ref-submedia field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="submedia"> <div class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-media-regular"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"><picture><source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_map_desktop/article/2026-07/2026%20AfriMAB%20GR%C3%93%20LRT%20cohort%20Neba%20Estherbel%20Bih.png.webp?itok=XYuiDxiu 1x" type="image/webp" media="all and (min-width: 993px)" /><source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_fixed_tablet/article/2026-07/2026%20AfriMAB%20GR%C3%93%20LRT%20cohort%20Neba%20Estherbel%20Bih.png.webp?itok=1OCnL2jC 1x" type="image/webp" media="all and (min-width: 576px) and (max-width: 992px)" /><source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_map_tablet/article/2026-07/2026%20AfriMAB%20GR%C3%93%20LRT%20cohort%20Neba%20Estherbel%20Bih.png.webp?itok=bOnbPELf 1x" type="image/webp" media="all and (max-width: 575px)" /><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="img-fluid" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.unesco.org/sites/default/files/styles/image_map_tablet/article/2026-07/2026%20AfriMAB%20GR%C3%93%20LRT%20cohort%20Neba%20Estherbel%20Bih.png.webp?resize=327%2C218&#038;ssl=1" alt="2026 AfriMAB GRÓ LRT cohort Neba Estherbel Bih" width="327" height="218" title="Fully Funded AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027 in Iceland – Applications Open 4"></picture></div> </div> <div class="field field--type-string field--label-inline field--name-field-copyright clearfix ">GRÓ LRT/UNESCO</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="" class="paragraph-border paragraph paragraph--type--quote paragraph--view-mode--default" data-trk="{&quot;block&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Applications open for AfriMAB GR\u00d3-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027 \u003E Paragraphs&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:&quot;quote&quot;}}"> <div class="row"> <div class="rich-text clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p>Over the past four months in the GRÓ LRT program, I have gained valuable experience in restoration through theoretical and practical sessions, all the while building meaningful networks with fellows, alumni, and staff. Beyond technical knowledge, living in Iceland, the “land of fire and ice,” has broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation of nature. This journey has inspired me professionally and personally.</p> </div> <div class="quote-people col-lg-3 offset-lg-1"> <div class="quote-person-text"><span class="name">Neba Estherbel Bih, Cameroon, GRÓ LRT 2026 cohort</span></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="a-six-month-hands-on-programme" class="paragraph paragraph--type--rich-text paragraph--view-mode--default" data-trk="{&quot;block&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;A six-month, hands-on programme&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:&quot;rich_text&quot;}}"> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item"> <h2 data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen112160_100="47369853" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time112160_100="100" data-gtm-vis-has-fired112160_100="1">A six-month, hands-on programme</h2> </div> <div class="rich-text clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p>In 2019, the GRÓ Category 2 Centre was established to work across four thematic areas: Gender, fisheries, geothermal, and land restoration. The GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT) provides postgraduate training for working specialists from middle- and low-income countries in the restoration of degraded land and sustainable land management.</p> <p>The GRÓ LRT programme runs an annual six-month training in Iceland, hosted at the Agricultural University of Iceland. The first 12 weeks focus on coursework — introductory and specialized — alongside practical training and field trips. In the following 12 weeks, each Fellow develops an individual project tailored to their academic background and the needs of their home institution. Fellows who complete the training receive 30 ECTS at postgraduate level from the Agricultural University of Iceland, as well as a GRÓ LRT diploma.</p> <p>In this context, GRÓ LRT offers to train at least two fellows from African biosphere reserves engaged in restoration activities in its 2027 cohort.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="applications-are-open" class="bg-gray paragraph-simple paragraph paragraph--type--cta paragraph--view-mode--default" data-trk="{&quot;block&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Applications are open&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:&quot;cta&quot;}}"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item"> <h2 data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen112160_100="47370012" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time112160_100="100" data-gtm-vis-has-fired112160_100="1">Applications are open</h2> </div> <div class="rich-text clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p><span class="TextRun SCXW174096211 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">The deadline is </span><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW174096211 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">10 September 2026</span><span class="TextRun SCXW174096211 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"><strong>.</strong></span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW174096211 BCX0"> Check conditions below.</span></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-link field--type-link field--label-hidden field__item"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="conditions-and-criteria" class="paragraph paragraph--type--rich-text paragraph--view-mode--default" data-trk="{&quot;block&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Conditions and criteria&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:&quot;rich_text&quot;}}"> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item"> <h2 data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen112160_100="47370063" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time112160_100="100" data-gtm-vis-has-fired112160_100="1">Conditions and criteria</h2> </div> <div class="rich-text clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p>The fellowship is fully funded, covering tuition and academic expenses, travel and health insurance costs, and a stipend covering all living expenses during the six-month stay in Iceland.</p> <p>Institutions nominating a candidate are asked to grant them full study leave for the six-month training in Iceland, continue paying their salary and benefits throughout the programme, and reinstate them in their position upon their return.</p> <p>Applicants should hold a prominent role in ecosystem restoration activity within a biosphere reserve, and hold at least one university degree relevant to GRÓ LRT&#8217;s field of work, such as ecology, natural sciences, environmental management or studies, and related disciplines.</p> <p>Candidates must:</p> <ul type="disc"> <li>have at least one year of relevant experience working in a biosphere reserve;</li> <li>be able to communicate in English (speak, read and write), the working language of GRÓ LRT;</li> <li>be under the age of 40.</li> </ul> <p>In some cases, GRÓ LRT has accepted candidates who do not fulfil the education requirement but bring extensive working experience in a relevant area.</p> <p>Applicants must submit:</p> <ul type="disc"> <li>a letter of motivation;</li> <li>a CV;</li> <li>a letter of endorsement from the biosphere reserve where they work;</li> <li>a letter of endorsement from the national MAB Focal Point or MAB Committee in their country, and;</li> <li>certificates of academic achievement.</li> </ul> <p>All documents must be uploaded in PDF form as attachments via the online application form.</p> <p>Applications are evaluated jointly by GRÓ LRT and the MAB Secretariat, and only complete applications meeting the stated requirements will be considered. The deadline for applications is 10 September 2026.</p> <p>For further information, contact <a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cm&amp;fs=1&amp;tf=1&amp;to=grolrt@grolrt.is" target="_blank" rel="noopener">grolrt@grolrt.is</a> or <a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cm&amp;fs=1&amp;tf=1&amp;to=mab@unesco.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mab@unesco.org</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="more-information" class="paragraph-border -one-column paragraph paragraph--type--quick-link paragraph--view-mode--default" data-trk="{&quot;block&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;More information&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:&quot;quick_link&quot;}}"> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item"> <h2 data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen112160_100="49407453" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time112160_100="100" data-gtm-vis-has-fired112160_100="1">More information</h2> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-links field--type-link field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="link-wrapper"><span class="link-title">GRÓ Category 2 Centre</span></div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div class="link-wrapper"><span class="link-title">UNESCO&#8217;s Man and the Biosphere Programme</span></div> </div> <div><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/applications-open-afrimab-gro-lrt-land-restoration-fellowships-2027" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/applications-open-afrimab-gro-lrt-land-restoration-fellowships-2027</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/07/26/fully-funded-afrimab-gro-lrt-land-restoration-fellowships-2027-in-iceland-applications-open/">Fully Funded AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027 in Iceland – Applications Open</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>