The Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation honors exceptional conservation scientists who have made significant contributions to combating biodiversity loss and advancing species protection. The recipient will receive an unrestricted grant of US$80 thousand, participate in a global media campaign, and be recognized at an award ceremony. Applicants must be conservation scientists who have made demonstrable, long-term impacts in preserving ecosystems and species. The application deadline is 01 June 2026. Prize for Species Conservation
Category: Biodiversity, Conservation, Wildlife
The Leakey Foundation funds research related to human origins. This includes research on primate biology, ecology, and behavior. The majority of research grants awarded to doctoral students range from US$3 thousand to US$20 thousand. Larger projects by senior scientists and post-doctoral students may be funded up to US$30 thousand. There are no citizenship restrictions. The next application deadline is 15 July 2026. Find out more
- Tags: individuals, july2026, research, wildlife, worldwide
The Explorers Club Impact Grants support individual researchers and explorers worldwide who conduct field-based scientific expeditions in disciplines such as ecology, earth sciences, anthropology, archaeology, paleontology, and astronomy—especially exploring regions experiencing environmental or cultural change. Grants typically range from US$10 thousand to US$25 thousand, covering expenses for on-site fieldwork. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Explorers Club Impact Grants
The School of Wildlife Conservation (SOWC) invites applications for a 12-week online training program focused on effective management for marine conservation and biodiversity in Africa. The course is designed for marine conservation practitioners across the continent and includes an optional five-day in-person intensive session at an African location. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, strategic management, and ethical practices to address environmental challenges while balancing economic and community needs. While the full cost of the program is not specified, partial merit-based scholarships are available to a limited number of successful applicants. The deadline for applications is 30 March 2026. Marine Conservation Training Program
The University of Oxford’s Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science (ICCS) invites applications for a fellowship that enables biodiversity professionals to engage with world-class researchers and resources. The program is open exclusively to African nationals who are employed by NGOs, government agencies, businesses, or academic institutions and are working on conservation within Africa. Successful applicants spend up to three months in Oxford, where the fellowship covers the costs of visas, international flights, accommodation, and a daily allowance for food and local travel. The scheme hosts three visitors per year, providing them with mentorship, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their conservation impact. The deadline to submit an expression of interest for the 2027 fellowship is 31 March 2026. African Biodiversity Fellowship Program
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) invites proposals for its Tiger Landscapes Investment Facility to support sustainable production and management in Thailand’s tiger landscape buffer zones. The program provides grants to civil society organizations to help local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises become investment-ready in sectors such as eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and forest management. Eligible applicants must be local or community-based non-governmental organizations or non-profit CSOs registered in Thailand that focus on biodiversity conservation or sustainable livelihoods. UNDP will contribute up to US$90 thousand per successful proposal for projects with a maximum duration of two years. The deadline for applications is 02 April 2026. Link to UNDP
The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) and its partners invite experts and organizations to apply as instructors for the 2026 Coastal Ocean Environment School in the Western Indian Ocean (COES-WIO). The program seeks facilitators to lead “project track” sessions that provide hands-on, experiential learning in oceanography and marine science. Applicants should propose immersive research projects suitable for groups of 15 to 20 participants, including students, researchers, and policymakers. While the announcement focuses on the contribution of expertise rather than a specific grant amount for instructors, the school serves as a major capacity-building initiative for the next generation of ocean researchers. The deadline to submit expressions of interest is 05 April 2026. Call for Instructors
- Tags: Africa, april2026, individuals, marine/coastal, nonprofit orgs
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) invites nominations for the 2026 Champions of the Earth award, which represents the UN’s highest environmental honor. The 2026 edition specifically focuses on leaders, organizations, and government entities worldwide that are driving efforts to protect and restore ocean health, including work in pollution prevention, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable blue economies. Candidates may be nominated in four categories: Policy Leadership, Inspiration and Action, Entrepreneurial Vision, and Science and Innovation. While the award provides global recognition and a platform to scale environmental solutions rather than a direct cash grant, it serves as a transformative career and organizational milestone. The deadline for nominations is 15 April 2026. UN Champions of the Earth
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA) invite journalists to apply for a fellowship to cover the COP17 conference in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The program is open to professional staff or freelance journalists who work with recognized media outlets and are based in countries affected by desertification, land degradation, or drought. Six selected fellows will receive fully funded support, including return economy-class airfare to Mongolia, accommodation, and media accreditation to the conference. Participants will attend pre-conference virtual briefings, engage in a field visit with local communities, and are expected to produce at least three independent stories related to land restoration and drought resilience. The application deadline is 15 April 2026. COP17 Reporting Fellowship
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) invites applications from journalists to attend the 2026 Our Ocean Conference. The fellowship program supports professional journalists from low- and middle-income countries, with a particular focus on those from the Global South, to report on ocean conservation and marine policy. Selected fellows receive full sponsorship to attend the conference, including airfare, accommodation, meals, and travel insurance. In addition to covering the event, participants engage in preparatory workshops and receive mentorship from experienced environmental editors to strengthen their reporting on topics such as sustainable fisheries, marine protected areas, and climate resilience. The application deadline is 15 April 2026. Ocean Conference Fellowships