Applications are open for the 2026 Global Mentorship Program, a six-month international virtual initiative designed to strengthen collaboration between emerging conservation leaders and experienced professionals in the environmental sector.

The programme is coordinated through the partnership of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas and CoalitionWILD.

Running from July to December 2026, the mentorship programme creates structured cross-generational learning opportunities that connect young conservation practitioners with senior experts from around the world. The initiative promotes knowledge sharing, career growth, leadership development, and intergenerational exchange across the conservation community.

The programme supports the implementation of global conservation goals by encouraging meaningful dialogue, professional guidance, and collaborative learning between mentors and mentees working in biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration, wildlife conservation, environmental education, community-based conservation, and related fields.

About the Programme

Participants will engage in a flexible but structured mentorship journey that includes:

• One-on-one mentorship sessions conducted virtually
• Monthly or bi-monthly meetings between mentors and mentees
• Interactive peer-learning and networking opportunities
• Community calls throughout the programme
• Specialized mentorship training workshops
• Access to guidance materials and mentorship resources
• Cross-cultural and cross-generational learning experiences
• Opportunities to build long-term professional networks in conservation

The programme emphasizes co-learning, shared leadership, and mutual exchange rather than formal reporting or project deliverables.

Professionals from areas such as wildlife ecology, habitat restoration, protected area management, environmental advocacy, climate resilience, youth engagement, and community conservation are encouraged to apply.

Programme Activities

Participants will take part in:

• A virtual kick-off session in July 2026
• Mentorship training workshops
• Mid-program peer-learning sessions
• Networking activities with global conservation professionals
• A wrap-up and celebration event at the end of the programme

Important Dates

• Mentor application deadline: 27 May 2026
• Programme duration: July – December 2026
• Kick-off session: 3 July 2026
• Mentor training session: 17 July 2026

Application Process

Interested mentors must complete the online application form before the deadline. Applications will be reviewed by the programme organizers, and selected candidates will be matched with mentees based on expertise, interests, and mentorship goals.

Why This Opportunity Matters

The Global Mentorship Program offers a valuable platform for experienced conservation professionals to contribute to global environmental leadership while helping shape the future of conservation through mentorship, collaboration, and shared learning.

This initiative also strengthens intergenerational partnerships that are increasingly important for addressing biodiversity loss, climate change, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable development challenges worldwide.