Call for
Restoration Stewards program 2026
Application Deadline:
13 July 2025
About Organisation
The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) stands as the world’s largest knowledge-led platform focused on integrated land use and sustainable landscape development. It actively contributes to global frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Climate Agreement, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. GLF adopts a comprehensive, landscape-based approach to tackle pressing global challenges by promoting landscapes that are productive, prosperous, equitable, and resilient.
The platform emphasizes five core themes: food and livelihoods, landscape restoration, rights, finance, and measuring progress. It is spearheaded by the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), working in close partnership with its co-founders—the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Bank—alongside numerous Charter Members. The Forum connects thousands of stakeholders from government, civil society, the private sector, and academia to share knowledge, drive collaboration, and influence policies.
GLF is committed to nurturing youth leadership and environmental stewardship globally. Through its wide range of programs, including the Restoration Stewards initiative, it enables young changemakers to implement sustainable, community-driven restoration efforts across a variety of ecological systems, fostering a globally inclusive and action-oriented environmental movement.
About the Grant
The Restoration Stewards program, launched in 2020 by the Global Landscapes Forum and the Youth in Landscapes Initiative, is designed to empower young leaders restoring ecosystems and protecting biocultural diversity. Rooted in the values of care, intersectionality, and intergenerational equity, the program supports youth-led teams working across diverse landscapes and seascapes.
Each selected Restoration Steward will be supported for one year through a comprehensive model encompassing four pillars: direct funding, professional capacity development, personalized mentorship, and international visibility. Participants receive guidance from experienced environmental experts and are encouraged to implement and expand their restoration vision at both local and global levels.
Grant recipients receive EUR 5,000 to enhance their projects, alongside opportunities to engage in training programs, organize at least one community-based event, and collaborate with the GLF team to promote their work on digital platforms. They are also expected to create content such as articles or visual stories to share their journey and progress with a wider audience.
The program aims to develop effective youth ambassadors for restoration by equipping them with the knowledge, networks, and tools to drive positive environmental change and inspire others within their communities and beyond.
Who can Apply?
The Restoration Stewards program welcomes applications from individuals aged 18 to 35 who are leading or contributing to youth-led environmental restoration initiatives. To qualify, applicants must be working on active projects in one of the following ecosystems: forests, mountains, oceans, wetlands, peatlands, drylands, or rangelands. These projects should reflect a holistic, landscape-oriented approach and demonstrate a commitment to community involvement and sustainability.
Eligible applicants must show alignment with the core values and vision of the Global Landscapes Forum, including its focus on equity, diversity, and inclusive restoration practices. Ideal candidates are passionate young leaders who can serve as role models and advocates for environmental and biocultural restoration.
Priority will be given to projects led by Indigenous, local, or national youth from Africa, Asia, Latin America, or the Caribbean. Furthermore, the restoration project must have been operational for a minimum of six months to ensure a foundational structure and measurable progress.
Applicants should be willing to participate in mentorship sessions, engage with global audiences through storytelling, and organize at least one local event. A strong understanding of the landscape approach and openness to capacity-building opportunities are essential for successful participation in the program.
How to Apply?
Interested youth leaders must complete and submit an online application outlining their restoration project and its impact. The application should detail the project’s goals, past activities, and future plans. Candidates must also demonstrate how they align with GLF’s values. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further evaluation, including interviews and proposal refinement, in coordination with the GLF and Youth in Landscapes Initiative teams.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Restoration Stewards program has been extended. All completed applications must be submitted by Sunday, 13 July 2025, at 23:59 CEST (UTC+2).
Last Date to Apply
Ensure your application is submitted no later than 13 July 2025, 23:59 CEST (UTC+2), to be considered for the upcoming cohort of the Restoration Stewards program.
Grant Amount
Selected Restoration Stewards will receive a grant of EUR 5,000 to strengthen and expand their restoration projects while gaining access to mentorship, capacity-building training, and international recognition opportunities.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
