Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The Global Landscapes Forum Restoration Stewards Program supports young leaders restoring ecosystems through community-centered landscape restoration projects. Selected participants receive €5,000 in funding, mentorship, and access to a global restoration network. The program prioritizes youth-led, Indigenous-led, and women-led initiatives across forests, wetlands, oceans, drylands, and other ecosystems.
Overview of the Program
The Restoration Stewards Program, led by the Global Landscapes Forum, supports young practitioners and experts working in landscape restoration. It focuses on integrating ecological restoration with community engagement, social inclusion, and long-term sustainability.
The program promotes holistic restoration approaches that connect environmental recovery with local livelihoods and cultural knowledge.
Key Focus Areas
The program supports initiatives working in:
- Landscape restoration and ecosystem rehabilitation
- Community-based environmental action
- Forest restoration and conservation
- Wetland, peatland, and ocean ecosystem restoration
- Dryland and rangeland rehabilitation
- Mountain ecosystem protection
- Indigenous-led restoration initiatives
- Women-led environmental projects
- Youth-led climate and biodiversity action
- Social-ecological sustainability
Program Benefits
Selected Restoration Stewards receive:
- €5,000 trust-based funding
- Mentorship from scientific and technical experts
- Capacity-building and training opportunities
- Access to a global peer network
- International visibility and communications support
- Guidance on holistic restoration approaches
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age between 18 and 35 years
- Actively leading or contributing to a youth-led restoration project
- Project must integrate both social and ecological components
Priority is given to:
- Youth from Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean
- Women-led initiatives
- Indigenous Peoples and local community-led projects
- Projects that have been active for at least six months
Eligible landscapes include:
- Forests
- Mountains
- Oceans
- Wetlands
- Peatlands
- Drylands
- Rangelands
- Other ecological systems
How the Program Works
Step 1: Application Submission
Applicants submit details of their restoration project, goals, and community involvement.
Step 2: Selection Process
Projects are evaluated based on:
- Ecological impact
- Community engagement
- Leadership potential
- Inclusivity and equity
- Alignment with landscape restoration principles
Step 3: Fellowship Implementation
Selected stewards:
- Receive funding and mentorship
- Work toward defined project goals
- Engage with mentors regularly
- Implement at least one community engagement event
Step 4: Knowledge Sharing
Participants are expected to:
- Publish blogs, articles, or reports
- Share updates on social media
- Contribute to global restoration knowledge
Why This Program Matters
The program strengthens global restoration efforts by:
- Supporting youth leadership in environmental action
- Strengthening community-driven ecological restoration
- Promoting inclusive and equitable environmental governance
- Enhancing knowledge exchange across regions
- Scaling nature-based solutions for climate resilience
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without an active restoration project
- Lack of community involvement in project design
- Weak integration of ecological and social outcomes
- Not meeting age eligibility requirements
- Insufficient project history (less than six months active)
- Poor explanation of restoration impact
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the funding amount?
Selected participants receive €5,000 in trust-based funding.
2. Who can apply?
Young people aged 18–35 leading or contributing to restoration projects.
3. What types of projects are eligible?
Projects focused on ecosystem restoration with community involvement across various landscapes.
4. Is mentorship included?
Yes, participants receive mentorship from scientific and technical experts.
5. Are individual applications allowed?
Yes, if the applicant is actively involved in a youth-led restoration initiative.
6. Which regions are prioritized?
Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
7. How long should the project be active?
Projects should ideally have been active for at least six months.
Conclusion
The Global Landscapes Forum Restoration Stewards Program empowers young leaders to restore ecosystems through community-driven and inclusive approaches. By combining funding, mentorship, and global networking, the program strengthens the next generation of environmental stewards working toward resilient and sustainable landscapes.
For more information, visit Global Landscapes Forum.