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About the Fonseca Leadership Program
The Fonseca Leadership Program in Africa 2025, supported by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), is designed to foster the next generation of African conservation leaders. This program provides prestigious fellowships to African graduate students pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. in conservation-related fields.
This fellowship honours the late Gustavo Fonseca, a notable contributor to biodiversity conservation. It aims to support African leaders who are deeply committed to conservation and have the potential to make significant impacts in their countries or regions.
The program emphasizes practical, applied conservation rather than purely academic research. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to addressing biodiversity challenges and fostering sustainable development.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must:
- Be Nominated: Only applications submitted through pre-approved nominators will be reviewed.
- Approved nominators may include government officials, senior intergovernmental agency officials, academic professors, or senior conservationists from organizations like WCS, WWF, TNC, CI, or select national NGOs.
- Citizenship: Be a citizen of a GEF-recipient country in Africa.
- Work Experience: Have at least five years of experience in conservation-related fields, such as NGOs, academia, government, or private sectors.
- Career Alignment: Demonstrate a focus on practical, applied conservation with career goals that benefit their nation or region.
- Graduate Study Plans: While candidates do not need prior admission to a graduate program, they must plan to begin studies no later than October 2026.
Additional Qualities Sought:
- Leadership potential.
- Strong commitment to biodiversity conservation.
- Ability to collaborate across diverse sectors.
- Motivation and a strong work ethic.
Benefits of the Fonseca Leadership Program
- Financial support to pursue a Master’s or Ph.D. degree.
- Mentorship and opportunities to collaborate with leading conservationists.
- Career development and networking within a global conservation community.
How to Apply
The Fonseca Leadership Program application process involves two stages:
- Short-Form Application (Deadline: February 7, 2025)
- Nominators must submit a short-form application on behalf of the candidate.
- Candidates and nominators answer a series of short questions and submit supporting documents.
- Long-Form Application (Deadline: March 31, 2025)
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a detailed application, including additional documentation and references.
Final Selection:
Decisions will be announced in May 2025, and the selected candidates must begin their studies by October 2026.
Nomination Process
- Nominator Approval:
- Interested applicants must email Kate Mastro (kmastro@wcs.org) to get approval for a nominator.
- A summary (½–1 page) of the nominator’s profile, including their name, job title, place of employment, and an abridged CV (no more than four pages), should be submitted.
- Nomination Forms:
- Once the nominator is approved, forms will be provided.
- These include six questions for the nominator and three questions for the nominee.
- Supporting Documents:
- Abridged CV (maximum of four pages).
- Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees (excluding the nominator).
This prestigious fellowship represents a unique opportunity for African conservation leaders to enhance their academic expertise, build networks, and create a meaningful impacts on biodiversity and environmental sustainability across the continent. For more information, click the link below.
See also:
Tokyo University Amgen Scholars Program 2025: Apply Now!
The Letten Prize 2025 for Researchers: Apply Now!
World Trade Organization Internship Program 2025
Apply for the $5,000 Pathways Access Scholarship at Swinburne University 2025
