UNESCO AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT Grant for Land Restoration: Opportunities for Cape Verde in 2026
The UNESCO AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Scholarship, to be launched in 2026, represents a unique opportunity for Cape Verdean professionals involved in the management and conservation of our biosphere reserves. This ambitious programme aims to equip African experts with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle the growing challenges of land degradation, promoting ecological restoration, climate resilience and sustainable development in the affected regions.
The crucial importance of land restoration in Cape Verde cannot be underestimated. The archipelago, with its unique biodiversity and fragile natural resources, faces significant challenges such as soil erosion, desertification, water scarcity and the impacts of climate change. Our biosphere reserves, such as Ilha Brava, Fogo or Santo Antão and other protected areas, are true sanctuaries of biodiversity, but they are also vulnerable to these threats. Participation in the UNESCO AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT Scholarship is therefore a strategic investment in the protection of our natural heritage and the sustainable future of our islands.
The fellowship programme, designed in collaboration with UNESCO and the Gödöllő University of Agricultural Sciences (GRÓ LRT) in Hungary, offers intensive, multidisciplinary training. The selected fellows will receive advanced training in areas such as land degradation assessment, restoration technologies, sustainable natural resource management, policy analysis and sustainability research. The training will include theoretical and practical components, including fieldwork, case studies and networking opportunities with international experts.
The expected impact of the participation of Cape Verdean professionals in the scholarship is multifaceted. Firstly, it will strengthen the technical and scientific capacity of local teams, enabling them to implement more effective land restoration strategies and promote more sustainable management practices. Secondly, the scholarship will facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration with other African countries, creating a network of experts who can work together to tackle common challenges. Thirdly, it will support the development of innovative land restoration projects based on solutions adapted to Cape Verde's specific needs.
To maximise the benefits of this opportunity, it is essential that Cape Verde carefully prepares its candidates. The selection of fellows should be guided by professional experience, academic qualifications and commitment to sustainability. It is essential that candidates demonstrate strong motivation and a clear action plan on how the knowledge acquired in the fellowship will be applied to combat land degradation and promote biodiversity conservation in the biosphere reserves.
The Ministry of the Environment (or responsible entity in Cape Verde) should also promote the scholarship among relevant professionals, provide support in drawing up applications and facilitate the implementation of land restoration projects after the training has been completed. Through a coordinated effort, Cape Verde can ensure that the maximum possible benefits are derived from this valuable opportunity offered by UNESCO. Active participation in the UNESCO AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT Scholarship is a crucial step towards a greener and more resilient future for our islands.
Important: Applications for the UNESCO AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT 2026 Scholarship can be submitted up to 15-09-2025
For more information and to keep up to date with upcoming opportunities, visit UNESCO's website and other appropriate communication channels:
- Wait for information: https://www.grocentre.is/lrt/moya/formbuilder/index/index/application
