Applications are now open for the 2027–2029 EDGE Fellowship Program, offering early-career conservationists an opportunity to secure funding, leadership training, mentorship, and global networking support for wildlife conservation projects.
The 28-month fellowship is designed to equip emerging conservation leaders with practical skills and resources needed to develop and implement impactful projects focused on protecting some of the world’s most endangered and overlooked species.
Successful applicants will receive direct project funding of up to £15,000, intensive training, and access to an international conservation network.
About the EDGE Fellowship Program
The EDGE Fellowship is a capacity-building initiative focused on protecting Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species.
The programme aims to support local conservation leaders working in biodiversity-rich regions by strengthening their ability to lead long-term environmental projects and create sustainable impact within their communities.
Unlike many conservation initiatives that often focus on well-known wildlife species, the EDGE Fellowship targets unique and lesser-known species facing serious extinction risks.
Selected fellows will undergo a structured programme involving training, project development, mentorship, and field implementation support.
Benefits of the EDGE Fellowship Program
Successful fellows will receive a range of financial and professional development opportunities throughout the programme.
Benefits include:
- Six weeks of in-person practical training
- Up to £15,000 project grant
- Support for project planning and implementation
- Continuous mentorship and technical guidance
- Professional development opportunities
- Peer learning support
- Access to a global conservation network
- Collaboration opportunities with international conservation experts
The programme also provides participants with tools needed for project management, science communication, community engagement, and long-term conservation strategy development.
Project Focus Requirements
Applicants are expected to develop projects centered on eligible EDGE species listed under the programme requirements.
Important project guidelines include:
- Proposed projects must focus on species included on the official 2026 EDGE List
- Species are grouped into:
- Higher Priority
- Medium Priority
- Lower Priority
- Ineligible
Projects involving Higher Priority species may receive stronger consideration during selection.
Applications involving Medium and Lower Priority species are also accepted if applicants can clearly demonstrate local conservation relevance.
Applicants should note that species reclassified as Near Threatened (NT) or Least Concern (LC) in future updates may become ineligible.
Eligibility Criteria for EDGE Fellowship 2027–2029
Interested applicants must meet the following requirements:
Must Be an Early-Career Conservationist
The programme targets emerging conservation professionals interested in leading field-based environmental initiatives.
Nationality or Residency Requirement
Applicants must:
- Be citizens or long-term residents of the country where the project will be implemented
- Have strong local connections and understanding of the project area
Geographic Consideration
To encourage broader representation, the fellowship prioritizes biodiversity regions and aims to select at least 14 fellows from countries outside:
- G12 countries
- European Union countries
- New Zealand
- South Korea
Demonstrate Commitment
Applicants should show:
- Commitment to conservation work
- Interest in intensive training and mentorship
- Ability to justify the need for their proposed project
How to Apply for EDGE Fellowship Program
Interested applicants can follow these steps:
Step 1: Review Eligible Species List
Download and review the official 2026 EDGE species list carefully before beginning the application process.
Confirm that your proposed project species falls within the eligible categories.
Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
The application process begins with an initial Expression of Interest (EOI) stage.
Only shortlisted applicants from this preliminary stage will proceed to submit a full application.
Applicants are encouraged to clearly explain:
- The conservation problem being addressed
- The significance of the species
- Expected impact of the project
- Local relevance of the proposed work
Why the EDGE Fellowship Matters
The global biodiversity crisis continues to threaten many unique species that receive little public attention or conservation funding.
The EDGE Fellowship addresses this gap by investing directly in local conservation leaders and supporting projects that can protect endangered species while strengthening environmental knowledge and leadership capacity within communities.
For early-career conservationists seeking funding and global exposure, the fellowship presents an opportunity to transform ideas into meaningful conservation action.
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