Klaus Toepfer Fellowship – Leadership Programme for Emerging Conservation Professionals in Eurasia

The Klaus Toepfer Fellowship Programme is a singular extra-occupational management and capacity-building initiative for early-career conservation professionals from Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Delivered by BfN in partnership with worldwide biodiversity organisations, the programme combines professional coaching, real-world tasks, and worldwide networking.

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About the Programme

The Klaus Toepfer Fellowship Programme takes an built-in method to constructing the management and technical capacities of early-career conservation professionals from Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.

Key traits:

• Targeted at high-potential conservation professionals

• Designed to strengthen each particular person and institutional capability

• Delivered in cooperation with key worldwide conservation our bodies

The programme is carried out by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) in partnership with:

• IUCN

• Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

• Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)

• UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC)

Funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUKN) via its Advisory Assistance Programme (AAP).

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Goals and Objectives

The Klaus Toepfer Fellowship goals to:

• Equip early-career professionals with management and technical abilities in biodiversity conservation.

• Strengthen regional capability to implement multilateral environmental agreements.

• Foster skilled networks and regional collaboration.

• Promote institutional innovation through real-world switch tasks.

Key programme components embody:

• International finest practices in biodiversity conservation

• Training in mission administration, coverage, and management

• Development and implementation of a switch mission on the participant’s home establishment

This is the solely extra-occupational programme of its type in the area specializing in:

• Biodiversity coverage and technical abilities

• Regional cooperation and networking

• Leadership and administration coaching in a conservation context

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Programme Structure

The programme spans 18 months, comprising:

• Four intensive coaching modules in Germany

• Field excursions to main German conservation establishments

• Continuous assignments and e-learning between modules

• A ultimate presentation of a person switch mission

All modules are delivered in English and mix lectures, sensible workouts, group work, and networking alternatives.

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Modules and Transfer Project

Thematic Modules:

1. Informing Conservation

2. Conservation Management in a Spatial Context

3. Conservation Economics and Financing

   • Economic rationale for conservation

   • Innovative financing mechanisms

   • Fundraising and proposal writing

4. Conservation Governance and Policy

   • Local to worldwide governance constructions

   • Negotiation and advocacy abilities

   • Strategic mission planning

Each module consists of:

• Excursion to key conservation establishments

• Transfer Project Work tailor-made to institutional wants

• Final presentation of the Transfer Project

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Application

The application interval for the 2026–2027 cycle is now open.

Deadline: 1 September 2025

Eligible candidates:

• Early-career conservation professionals

• Based in Central or Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, or Central Asia

• Meet the programme’s eligibility necessities

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Training Venue

The major venue for the coaching modules is the International Academy for Nature Conservation (INA) on the Isle of Vilm, Germany.

Key options:

• Located in the Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve

• Historic web site for conservation since 1812

• Fully outfitted coaching services

• Accommodation in double rooms with web entry

• All meals offered on web site

The academy is famend for Eurasia-focused workshops and professional coaching on conservation matters.

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Costs

Participation in the Klaus Toepfer Fellowship is freed from cost. The organisers cowl:

• Accommodation and meals throughout modules and excursions

• Health insurance coverage throughout stays in Germany

• Visa application charges

• Partial journey reimbursement based mostly on nation group

Travel Cost Contribution Scheme:

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Further Resources:

Visit Klaus Toepfer Fellowship web site for additional particulars.

Programme Leaflet (PDF)

Explore extra alternatives on: opportunitiesforyouth.org