Applications for fellowships to the GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT) are open for 2 (two) fellows from African biosphere reserves engaged in restoration activities. The programme offers annual six-month training in Iceland focused on land restoration and sustainable land management, hosted at the Agricultural University of Iceland.
Ecosystem restoration served as the overarching theme of the 7th General Assembly of African Biosphere Reserves Network (AfriMAB) last year, reflecting its critical importance across the region at the outset of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030). As the Man and the Biosphere programme approaches the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves – to be held in Hangzhou, China, in September 2025 – restoration stands to be a crucial element in the programme’s new Strategy and Action Plan. It has the potential to help end poverty, combat climate change and prevent the loss of critical biodiversity.
The first 12 weeks of the training focus on course work (both introductory courses and specialized training), practical training and field trips. In the latter 12 weeks of the programme, each Fellow works on an individual project, which provides specialization with reference to the academic and practical background and needs of the individual Fellow and their workplace. Fellows completing the training successfully receive a Postgraduate Diploma in Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainable Land Management (30 ECTS) from the Agricultural University of Iceland.
Founded in 2005, Agricultural University of Iceland is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the village of Borgarnes (population range of under 2,500 inhabitants), Western Region. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Mennta- og menningarmálaráðuneytið (Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, Iceland), Agricultural University of Iceland (LbhÍ) is a very small (uniRank enrollment range: under-250 students) coeducational higher education institution. Agricultural University of Iceland (LbhÍ) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 14 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 80-90% making this Icelandic higher education organization a least selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.