Written by: Karim Hammam
The International Blue Carbon Institute, in cooperation with relevant authorities and the blue carbon research community, has announced the opening of nominations for the Institute's 2026 Fellowship Program. The program aims to provide research grants worth sixty thousand US dollars to each selected candidate, distributed over a two-year program, to support experienced researchers and practitioners working in the field of conservation, restoration, and protection of blue carbon ecosystems.
Details of the 2026 Blue Carbon Grant
The grant aims to provide support for new projects and existing research and operational initiatives that contribute to enhancing blue carbon science and climate action. Application is open to researchers and practitioners across multiple disciplines including scientific research, social sciences, community engagement, communications, policy, law, and conservation finance. The program extends a special invitation to researchers and practitioners from Africa and other regions of the Global South to enhance professional capacities and expand the scope of environmental solutions that benefit coastal communities and the environment.
Research and Professional Development Fields
The fellowship focuses on coastal and marine ecosystems, including mangroves, salt marshes, seagrass meadows, and kelp forests. These systems contribute to mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change, in addition to supporting biodiversity and providing important benefits to local communities. Grant winners receive funding that covers research activities, mobility for scientific collaboration, purchase of necessary equipment, publication fees, and support for field assistants, in addition to joining a wide network of international specialists and experts.
Application Deadlines and Selection Process
The application period runs from October 12 to November 23, 2026, and the selected names will be announced in March 2027. Applications are subject to a rigorous review process by a selection committee comprising technical experts and members of scientific working groups, evaluating the quality of proposals, their alignment with environmental priorities, and their potential local and regional impact.
