The Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (NEF) is a dedicated organization working to advance the conservation of wildlife and ecosystems in the Asia-Pacific region. Through its initiatives, NEF supports emerging researchers and scientists to strengthen their expertise and contribute meaningfully to global conservation efforts. Its mission is to nurture talented young scientists by providing them with research opportunities that address pressing environmental concerns, particularly the preservation of biodiversity, endangered species, and ecological systems. By bridging science and practice, NEF emphasizes ecosystem restoration, sustainable use of resources, and understanding human–nature relationships. Since its inception, NEF has played a key role in building capacity for conservation across developing nations in Asia and the Pacific. Its programs are designed to equip scientists with the resources and guidance necessary to undertake impactful field-based research in their home countries or through academic collaborations with Japanese institutions. By investing in the next generation of conservationists, NEF seeks to create world-class scientists who can provide innovative solutions to biodiversity challenges while strengthening nature conservation in their respective nations and the broader region. The foundation promotes collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing between young scientists and experienced coordinators, ensuring research of high quality and practical relevance.

The NEF Commemorative Grant Fund for Young Scientists Programme aims to support young researchers in the Asia-Pacific developing countries to advance their careers in wildlife and ecosystem conservation. The grant focuses on research projects that contribute to the protection and restoration of biodiversity, including threatened species, alien species, ecosystem services, and human–nature interactions. Projects must be fieldwork-based, with a strong scientific foundation in ecology, taxonomy, biology, and related fields. The grant duration is typically two years, with a possibility of extension up to three years for doctoral students in Japan. Financial support covers essential expenses such as travel for fieldwork, consumables for surveys and analyses, labor costs, reference materials, and public awareness activities. However, personal expenses, versatile equipment, and institutional overheads are excluded. The grant is designed not only to provide financial assistance but also to strengthen academic and professional mentorship by involving project coordinators, who guide young scientists in planning and execution. Selection is based on relevance, originality, feasibility, research quality, and cooperation between the project scientist and coordinator. The program ensures accountability by requiring regular reports and evaluations throughout the research cycle, helping both the researcher and the institution build long-term conservation impact.