VELUX Stiftung Forestry Program 2026 – Call for Proposals

Overview

The VELUX Stiftung has announced its annual call for proposals under the Forestry Program, with a deadline of 21 September 2026 (23:59 CEST). This program supports solution‑oriented research and science‑practice projects that address the negative impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable forest management practices.

Forests are vital to agriculture and rural livelihoods. They protect soils, regulate water, provide food and medicine, and serve as carbon sinks. Integrating forestry with agriculture—through agroforestry, sustainable land use, and biodiversity conservation—offers a pathway to resilient farming systems in Ghana and across Africa.

Agric Relevance

The program is highly relevant to agricultural researchers and practitioners because it supports:

• Agroforestry systems – Combining trees with crops like cocoa or maize to improve soil fertility, water retention, and climate resilience.
• Climate change adaptation – Using forests to buffer farming communities against droughts, floods, and extreme weather.
• Biodiversity recovery – Protecting pollinators, seed dispersal systems, and genetic diversity critical for crop productivity.
• Forest product value chains – Developing sustainable timber, medicinal plants, and food products that complement farming incomes.

Program Goals

• Foster new perspectives on how forests are managed, used, and valued.
• Support collaboration between scientists and practitioners to accelerate uptake of evidence‑based forestry practices.
• Catalyse financial innovation and improved frameworks to unlock investment in sustainable forest management.

Project Types

• Research Projects
  • Generate new knowledge with high potential to shift forestry practice.
  • Require at least two partners (universities and stakeholder organizations).
  • At least 10% of the budget must be allocated to knowledge transfer.
• Science‑Practice Projects
  • Transfer existing evidence into tools and resources for practitioners.
  • Require upfront commitment of collaborating partners.
  • Must produce specific deliverables and plan for continuity beyond the project period.

Key Dates

• Deadline for proposals: 21 September 2026, 23:59 CEST
• Final decision: March 2027

Eligibility

• Open internationally, including Ghana.
• Universities, research centers, and academic‑led professional organizations are eligible.
• Projects must involve at least two partners, including a stakeholder organization.
• Focus must be on scalable, solution‑oriented approaches.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by Agri‑web. Applicants are encouraged to consult the official VELUX Stiftung portal for complete details and verified application instructions.