The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites proposals to establish a Regional Implementation Team (RIT) to lead biodiversity conservation efforts in the Mountains of Central Asia. The selected organization will coordinate grant-making and provide strategic leadership for projects across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Eligibility is restricted to 16 pre-identified organizations that submitted a prior expression of interest, though these entities may form partnerships with other civil society groups. The program provides up to US$8 million over a five-year period to manage a portfolio of approximately 100 projects. The deadline for full proposals is 17 April 2026. Find the call
Category: Biodiversity, Conservation, Wildlife
The Environmental Justice in Technology (EJIT) Fellowship is a remote, 12-week program supporting projects at the intersection of environmental justice and technology. The fellowship provides a US$3,000 stipend for four fellows dedicating approximately 20 hours per week. Fellows will engage in one of four focus areas: digital zine publishing, climate misinformation research, educational material development, or creative cultural interventions. Applicants should have experience in environmental justice through community work, study, or lived experience. The application deadline is 30 April 2026. Rooted Futures Lab
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering story grants to support journalists in producing in-depth reporting on the global biodiversity crisis. The program focuses on highlighting environmental threats and innovative conservation solutions in low- and middle-income countries. Applications are open to early-career and experienced journalists and media practitioners across print, online, TV, and radio platforms. The program will award 5 to 10 grants, typically ranging from €1,000 to €2,000, and selected grantees will also receive professional mentorship. The deadline for applications is 01 May 2026. Biodiversity Story Grants
The Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO) supports capacity building in oceanography for individuals and institutions in developing countries. POGO’s Visiting Fellowships Program is open to scientists, technicians, graduate students (PhD), and post-doctoral fellows involved in oceanographic work. Priority is given to applicants in their early stages of career development. The fellowship offers the opportunity to visit other oceanographic centers for a short period of training on any aspect of oceanographic observations, analyses, and interpretation. The application deadline is 01 May 2026. Find fellowship information
The Institute of International Education and OceanX invite applications for the Ocean Futures Fellowship to support the next generation of professionals addressing global ocean challenges. This six-month, full-time remote program is open to individuals at least 21 years old who hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and have full professional proficiency in English. Fellows can apply for one of six specialized roles: AI, digital correspondence, digital asset archives, immersive media, marketing and communications, or partnerships. Participants receive a monthly stipend for the duration of the fellowship and may have the opportunity to travel aboard the OceanXplorer vessel. The deadline for applications is 03 May 2026. More information
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites submissions for its 2026 Photo and Video Contest to showcase the impact of biodiversity conservation efforts within its priority hotspots. This competition is open to employees and volunteers of current or former CEPF grantee organizations who are at least 18 years old. Participants are encouraged to submit high-quality images and short videos that document project activities, local communities, and the unique wildlife found in the regions where they work. The deadline for submissions is 04 May 2026. CEPF
The UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme offers the Young Scientists Awards to support early-career researchers conducting interdisciplinary studies on ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainable development. The program prioritizes research carried out in biosphere reserves and projects that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Eligible applicants must be 35 years or younger and must have their applications endorsed by their National MAB Committee, which can nominate up to two candidates per year. Individual research grants are awarded up to a maximum of US$5,000 to cover project-related costs for a two-year period. The deadline for applications is 07 May 2026. Young Scientist Awards
UNESCO invites applications for a nine-month fellowship at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland. This program provides an archaeological internship focused on multidisciplinary methods and conservation practices for seven selected professionals. Eligible candidates must be no more than 40 years old, hold a Bachelor of Arts or Master of Arts degree in archaeology or conservation, and be a national of one of the invited Member States across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The fellowship includes international travel costs, health insurance, and a monthly allowance of PLN 1,800 for Bachelor’s degree holders or PLN 2,200 for Master’s degree holders. Additionally, participants receive a one-time pocket allowance of US$120. The deadline for National Commissions to submit nominations to UNESCO is 15 May 2026. Link
The Mangrove Action Project invites entries for the 12th annual Mangrove Photography Awards, a competition dedicated to spark conservation through visual storytelling. The contest is open to photographers of all levels and ages globally, featuring categories such as Wildlife, Underwater, Landscape, People, and Conservation Stories. A total of US$7 thousand in prize money is available, including US$1,000 for the overall winner and US$500 for each of the eleven category winners. Participation is free, and photographers can submit up to 12 images. The deadline for submissions is 01 June 2026. Mangrove Photography Awards
The Aspire Grant Program provides competitive research grants of up to US$5 thousand for African graduate students and early-career professionals working in the areas of biodiversity, conservation, wildlife, and ecosystem health in the Congo Basin. Applicants should be 35 years of age or younger and reside in one of the following countries: Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, or Uganda. The application deadline (English, French, Spanish) is 10 June 2026. About the Aspire Grant Program
- Tags: Africa, biodiversity, conservation, early-career, individuals, june2026, research, wildlife