fellowships

GLF/YIL Restoration Stewards — EUR 5,000 — 2027

The GLF/YIL Restoration Stewards Program supports young leaders restoring landscapes with and for their communities. Selected stewards receive EUR 5,000 and mentorship. The program is open to 18-35 year olds leading or contributing to holistic restoration projects.

deadline: 31 July 2026
funding: EUR 5,000
host: Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) / Youth in Landscapes Initiative (YIL)
source-url: https://opportunitydesk.org/2026/07/10/glf-yil-restoration-stewards-program-2027/
apply-url: https://globallandscapesforum.typeform.com/EN-2027RSCall

The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) and the Youth in Landscapes Initiative (YIL) have launched the Restoration Stewards Program 2027, a year-long fellowship for young experts and practitioners aged 18-35. The program aims to support 50 young landscape leaders in deepening their impact and connecting with a global community. Launched in 2020, the program focuses on nurturing the vision and efforts of young leaders, particularly young women, Indigenous People, and youth from rural areas.

Overview

The Restoration Stewards Program is a year-long fellowship that supports young experts and practitioners who restore their landscapes with and for their communities. The program operates within a care-based ecosystem of support that places trust, equity, and collaboration at its center.

  • Set and achieve project-specific goals with mentor support
  • Deepen understanding of holistic restoration and the landscape approach
  • Organize at least one community engagement event
  • Share work through blogs, articles, and social media
  • Collaborate regularly with mentors and the program team

Eligibility

You are eligible if you are leading or contributing to a youth-led restoration project that focuses holistically on social and ecological elements. The program gives priority to projects led by young people from Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America, or the Caribbean, and those led by women, locally and/or Indigenous-led.

  • Are 18-35 years old
  • Are leading or contributing to a youth-led restoration project
  • Work in ecosystems such as forests, mountains, oceans, wetlands, peatlands, drylands, rangelands, or other landscapes

Funding & Benefits

  • EUR 5,000 in trust-based funding
  • Mentorship from scientific and technical experts
  • Capacity development and training opportunities
  • A global community of peers and collaborators
  • Visibility through global platforms

How to Apply

To apply, click the application link and submit your proposal by July 31, 2026. The application process involves submitting a project proposal that outlines your restoration project, goals, and expected outcomes.

  • Review the application guidelines and eligibility criteria
  • Prepare a project proposal that includes a clear description of your restoration project and goals
  • Submit your application through the online portal by the deadline

Why This Matters

The Restoration Stewards Program offers a unique opportunity for young leaders to deepen their impact and connect with a global community. With a focus on nurturing the vision and efforts of young women, Indigenous People, and youth from rural areas, the program aims to support a diverse range of projects that prioritize social and ecological restoration.

The program's care-based ecosystem of support and trust-based funding approach sets it apart from other fellowships, providing selected stewards with the resources and network needed to achieve their project goals and create lasting change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age eligibility for the Restoration Stewards Program?

The program is open to individuals aged 18-35 years old.

What type of projects are eligible for the program?

The program is open to youth-led restoration projects that focus holistically on social and ecological elements, working in ecosystems such as forests, mountains, oceans, wetlands, peatlands, drylands, rangelands, or other landscapes.

How much funding is provided to selected stewards?

Selected stewards receive EUR 5,000 in trust-based funding to support their project goals and activities.

What is the duration of the Restoration Stewards Program?

The program is a year-long fellowship, supporting selected stewards for 12 months.

Can I apply if I am not from Africa, Asia, or Latin America?

Yes, the program is open to applicants from all regions, but priority is given to projects led by young people from Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America, or the Caribbean.

Do I need to have prior experience in restoration to apply?

No, prior experience is not required, but you must be leading or contributing to a youth-led restoration project that focuses on social and ecological elements.