Call for applications for the Kinship Conservation Fellows 2016 programme

Kinship Conservation Fellows is accepting applications for its month-long environmental leadership training programme. The programme targets mid-career conservation practitioners who are interested in applying market-based solutions to environmental problems. Each year 18 Fellows with varying environmental interests are carefully selected from diverse regions to participate in Kinship's intensive residential learning experience. The programme is delivered by renowned faculty members and includes individualized coaching sessions and a curriculum focused on conservation finance, leadership, and business and management practices.

‘There's nothing else quite like Kinship in the conservation space; the experience offers mid-career professionals an opportunity to take a chunk of time from their day-to-day careers to explore a range of topics, from economics to international carbon offsets, as well as work on a related project,’ said Logan Yonavjak, 2013 Kinship Fellow. ‘The classroom experience was great, but by far the most rewarding part was being able to live, play and work with other Fellows for an entire month; this was truly an honour.’

Programme participants will join a collaborative global network of 228 Fellows from 51 countries, supported through regional Chapters and Affinity groups.

‘Kinship was a turning point in my life. It made me realize that I could go from doing good things to doing great things and that I am not alone. I met the most amazing conservation leaders who are, like me, trying to make a difference. Now that we have met, we can do it together,’ said Cecilia Simon, 2014 Fellow and organizer of the Conservation Finance Affinity Group.

The 2016 programme will take place in Bellingham, Washington, USA, during 26 June–27 July. In addition to intensive training, the 18 selected Fellows will receive a stipend of USD 6,000 and lodging. The selection committee looks for mid-career conservation practitioners who are demonstrated leaders, innovative thinkers, and mission-driven achievers. To be eligible to apply, candidates must have at least 5 years of professional experience, a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and a familiarity with market-based mechanisms.

Visit kinshipfellows.org for more information about the programme, full eligibility requirements, and to access the online application form. The deadline for applications is 18 January 2016.

The Rapid Response Facility

The Rapid Response Facility (RRF) is an emergency funding mechanism that supports the conservation of natural World Heritage sites at times of crisis. A partnership between the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and Fauna & Flora International (with funding provided by Fondation Franz Weber and the Arcadia Foundation), the fund aims to protect the biodiversity value of natural World Heritage sites.

Successful applications will address an emergency situation within a designated or tentative UNESCO natural World Heritage site in a non-OECD country. The RRF has a clear definition of emergency. The proposal must demonstrate that an immediate response is critical to mitigate the impacts of the emergency, and clearly explain how RRF support will make a significant and measurable contribution to reducing the threats identified.

In order to provide rapid support at times of crisis, the RRF has a target decision time for grant applications of 8 days. Grants are up to USD 30,000, for projects of up to 6 months duration. There is no deadline for the submission of applications, which are received on a rolling basis, in response to need. Government organizations, NGOs or other institutions are all eligible to apply as long as official endorsement from the relevant site management authority is provided. Applications are accepted in English, French or Spanish.

To date the RRF has provided support in a range of emergencies in natural World Heritage sites, including natural disasters, armed conflicts and sudden spikes in poaching. For example, in October 2015 the RRF provided support to African Parks Network to tackle a severe escalation of militarized ivory poaching, which was threatening the populations of its famous elephant herds and the safety of rangers.

More information on eligibility, including the RRF definition of emergency and instructions on how to apply, are on the RRF website (www.rapid-response.org).