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Kleinhans Fellowship for Community Forestry Research
Deadline: February 28, 2027
24 viewsKey Details
Level
Post-Graduate / PhD / Professional Research
Deadline
February 28, 2027
Funding
Fully Funded
Region
Global
Added on
7 Sep 2026
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Kleinhans Fellowship for Community Forestry Research
About
The Kleinhans Fellowship for Community Forestry Research is a prestigious opportunity designed for visionaries who believe that the future of our forests lies in the hands of the people who live in them. Sponsored by the Rainforest Alliance, this fellowship bridges the gap between academic theory and grassroots reality. It is specifically tailored to support researchers who are passionate about solving real-world challenges faced by Community Forest Enterprises (CFEs). In an era where climate change and biodiversity loss are urgent threats, this program empowers researchers to work side-by-side with local communities to develop sustainable, income-generating forestry models that protect the planet while alleviating poverty.
What sets the Kleinhans Fellowship apart is its commitment to participatory research. This isn't about studying a community from a distance; it is about immersion. Fellows are expected to involve community members in every stage of the process—from identifying the core problems to implementing solutions and disseminating the results. Whether you are looking at sustainable timber harvesting, non-timber forest products, or the organizational resilience of forest cooperatives, your work will provide the practical value needed to support community action plans. For the dedicated researcher, this is a chance to turn data into tangible impact and help shape the global standard for community-led conservation.
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Eligibility
- Open to researchers from all countries and nationalities worldwide.
- Applicants must hold at least a Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., forestry, ecology, environmental economics, or anthropology).
- The proposed research must be conducted in Latin America or other regions where community forestry is a primary focus.
- Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to participatory research methodologies.
- Project proposals must address specific, practical problems identified by Community Forest Enterprises (CFEs).
- Fluent proficiency in the language of the host community (typically Spanish, Portuguese, or English) is highly recommended.
Benefits
- A generous stipend of $20,000 USD per year, provided for a total of two years ($40,000 total).
- Opportunity to engage in hands-on field research within community forest enterprises (CFEs).
- Access to the Rainforest Alliance's extensive network of conservation professionals and technical experts.
- Funding to cover essential research expenses, including travel to field sites and data collection tools.
- High-level visibility for your research findings through Rainforest Alliance publication channels.
- Professional development and mentorship from leaders in the sustainable forestry and conservation sector.
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How to Apply
- Visit the official Rainforest Alliance Kleinhans Fellowship page to download the current application guidelines.
- Develop a comprehensive research proposal that emphasizes community collaboration and practical problem-solving.
- Prepare your Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting your academic background and field experience.
- Gather two to three professional or academic letters of recommendation that speak to your research capabilities.
- Ensure you have a letter of support or a memorandum of understanding from the community or CFE you intend to work with.
- Submit your complete application package via the official portal or designated email address before the February 28, 2027 deadline.
Your dedication to community-led conservation could be the catalyst for lasting change—don't hesitate to share your vision!
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