2015 Congo Basin Grant Program (CBGP) for African Graduate Students

Applications are ongoing for the 2015 Congo Basin Grant Program (CBGP) for African Graduate Students. The Congo Basin rainforests comprise one of the most important centers of biodiversity in the world and harbor an estimated 20% of all known species of plants and animals. While efforts are underway to implement conservation projects, habitat conversion, mineral extraction, forest degradation and deforestation continue at accelerating rates. 

Exacerbating these threats, the African continent, and the Congo Basin in particular, is predicted as one of the regions to be most severely affected by climate change. Recently projections suggest rainfall patterns will change dramatically and 50% of African mammals are at risk of extinction if the rise in mean global temperature exceeds 3°C, an increase predicted to occur by the end of the century (IPCC 2014). 

Furthermore, impacts from severe water and food scarcity, environmental deterioration, agricultural pests, emerging human diseases, and climate change impede the development of constructive and sustainable conservation solutions. To meet these challenges, Central Africa desperately needs a new generation of environmental and conservation experts.

Scholarship Value

Research grants of up to $5,000 USD value are awarded to African graduate students. CARN awarded six CBGP grants in 2014.

Eligibility:

• Resident of one of the following countries: Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic and Uganda.
• 35 years of age or younger
• Enrolled in a graduate program or hold a professional position.

Application Procedure and Deadline

The mode of application is online. To complete your application you will need: Contact Information, Description of Proposed Project, Budget (not to exceed $5,000 USD), Curriculum Vitae and Two Letters of Reference.

The Deadline for applications is scheduled for May 1, 2015.

Official Scholarship website – http://www.conservationactionresearch.net/congo-basin-grant-program.php