Fonseca Leadership Program

This competitive program aims to provide financial support for the current and next generation of researchers and practitioners in Latin America to pursue graduate-level studies (Master’s and Ph.D.) geared towards education and research training that is relevant in the design and implementation of conservation interventions that address conservation challenges. Fellows will also have an opportunity to join the expansive global community of EFN alumni to enable knowledge exchange and collective success.

Focus Areas

The Fonseca Leadership Program is open to current and next generation of researchers and practitioners in Latin America to pursue graduate-level studies (Master’s and Ph.D.). The research topics may cover the following areas/themes, but examples are not limited to this list:

• Focus applied conservation – specifically courses of study and research that ground students in ‘real world’ conservation challenges therefore providing training that will be critical for the early career researchers to design and implement conservation action.
• Focus on ecological and socioeconomic context of biodiversity conservation and why the proposed work is needed at local, national, and regional level.
• Emphasis on gender dimensions, equity, and inclusion.
• Build on partnership and active engagement with local communities, academic, research, and practitioners.
• Consider human dimensions in conservation and sustainable development: community-based conservation and science, Indigenous Peoples knowledge systems, emphasis on enhancing local expertise, skills, and knowledge.

Eligible Countries

This fellowship is open to nationals of eligible countries within the WWF-US and GEF priority areas, who are already enrolled/are interested in enrolling in a Master‘s or Ph.D. program.

• Belize
• Bolivia
• Chile
• Colombia
• Ecuador
• French Guiana
• Guatemala
• Guyana
• Honduras
• Mexico
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Suriname

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must meet all the following criteria to be eligible.
• You must be a citizen and legal permanent resident of an eligible country.
• You must preferably have at least two years of conservation-related work or research experience.
• You must be enrolled in or admitted to a Master‘s or Ph.D. program in-country, across the region, or internationally.
• You must plan to begin your studies no later than January 2026.
• You must contact EFN if you are a WWF or GEF employee, consultant, or previous EFN grant recipient to determine eligibility.

For more information, visit World Wildlife Fund.