Klaus Toepfer Fellowship Programme

The Klaus Toepfer Fellowship Programme aims to strengthen organisations from the nature conservation sector in Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia, by developing the personal capacity of early-career conservation professionals to overcoming global biodiversity loss. The training programme catalyzes personal capacity development through training on international best conservation practice and policy, management training, and personal network development. Key features of the Klaus Toepfer Fellowship Programme: The only extra-occupational training programme for established conservation professionals from both government and non-governmental organizations of the region A broad biodiversity policy focus Promoting professional excellence Focusing on technical, management and leadership skills Considering the ecological, historical and political linkages among the transition countries of the Eurasian region Fostering a professional network in support of regional cooperation in biodiversity conservation Combination of highly interactive seminars held in English language, field-trips and inter-sessional assignments, e-learning as well as a transfer project. The Klaus Toepfer Fellowship Programme is implemented by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) in partnership with IUCN, the CBD Secretariat and UNEP-WCMC. Funding of the programme is provided by the Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB).