Open call for Alfred Toepfer Natural Heritage Scholarships 2018

The EUROPARC Federation, with support from the Alfred Toepfer Stiftung F.V.S., has issued an open call to young professionals – conservationists to apply for Alfred Toepfer Natural Heritage Scholarship. The aim of the scholarships is to enhance international cooperation and to advance the quality, innovation and European dimension of Protected Area management.

Each year the EUROPARC Federation awards three Alfred Toepfer Natural Heritage Scholarships. Each scholarship is worth EUR 3.000 and enables successful applicants to undertake a study visit on a particular theme to one or more Protected Areas in European countries.

Application deadline is May 4, 2018.

The call is open to all young professionals studying or working in topics related to Protected Areas in Europe. It is important to point out that applications for study visits to prepare master or doctoral thesis will not be considered.

Eligibility criteria are:

• candidates must be under 35
• have a European nationality
• be employed by a Protected Area or nature conservation organization
• or be a student or a recently graduated student

The application must address one of the following selected themes faced by Protected Area Management:

• Biodiversity and Climate change  –  Impact and challenges for Protected Areas
• Sustainable Development in protected Areas  –  Social and economic benefits for all
• Opportunities for Health and Well  –  Being in Protected Areas
• Parks for People  –  Strategies to involve people in Protected Areas

The Alfred Toepfer Stiftung E.V.S will generously cover travel expenses and participation at the biggest gathering of Protected Areas professionals, the statement reads. “This year, especially, we will be looking at the important contribution of youth to our European Protected Areas, so there will be plenty of opportunities for you to learn, network and share experience”, it says.

After the trip, the scholars are expected to present the Federation their findings within a report and a short film. These reports are made available to EUROPARC members, as they are full of interesting facts on observation and solutions to common Protected Area management issues.

To learn more details about the scholarship to apply, please visit http://www.europarc.org/news/2018/02/open-call-young-professionals-alfred-toepfer-natural-heritage-scholarships-2018/