UNESCO Earth Network
Call for applications for a roster of volunteer experts

UNESCO Earth Network

The “UNESCO Earth Network” project has been launched in 2021 to create a unique network of volunteer experts and knowledge holders, including indigenous and local people and youth, to support the contribution of UNESCO designated sites and Conventions to the interlinked challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change and demonstrate that living in harmony with nature is possible.

Through the actions of volunteer experts, the Network will provide training for the restoration and conservation of key ecosystems in UNESCO designated sites: biosphere reserves, global geoparks and cultural, natural and mixed World Heritage sites. It aims to restore the relationship between humans and nature through the promotion of good practices, knowledge and know-how that respect biodiversity. It will also support the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, such as the knowledge and practices of indigenous peoples and local communities, relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Mandate

The Volunteer experts will provide technical advice, generate data, build partnerships and provide training, responding to the specific needs and priorities of requesting UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage sites, UNESCO Global Geoparks and Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) elements.

The direct counterparts of the volunteer experts will be the staff of the competent bodies entrusted with the care and management of the UNESCO designated sites or relevant ICH stakeholders, and, as such, the Network will contribute to the protection, management, safeguarding and restoration of the UNESCO designated sites and ICH elements.

Criteria for participation in the roster

Volunteer experts should be either:

— International experts in the relevant fields, such as biology, geology, geography, land restoration, environmental management, environmental policy and law, nature conservation, heritage management, culture, social sciences, anthropology, landscape architecture, sustainable tourism;

— Practitioners in the field of land restoration;

— Knowledge holders, including from indigenous peoples and local communities, youth and researchers from UNESCO’s relevant Intergovernmental and International Programmes and Conventions, their advisory bodies and relevant networks.

Volunteer experts should confirm their time availability for the activities supported by the UNESCO Earth Network from October 2021 onwards (preferred duration of assignments, periods when the volunteer expert would be available/unavailable if known) and the duration for which they wish to be included in the roster.

UNESCO establishes the roster of volunteer experts taking into consideration geographical and gender diversity. Selected candidates will be informed of the decision.

Procedure for application: https://whc.unesco.org/document/189773