Generously funded by the Wildlife Conservation Network

The Saiga Conservation Alliance is pleased to launch the 2023 call for applications in support of young conservationists based in the saiga range states (Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia), or saiga consumer countries (including China, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia).

Download Application Form

The SCA recognizes that it is imperative to support the next generation of conservationists, and so with our Young Conservation Leaders award generously funded by Zoofari Parks – Virginia Safari Park, Gulf Breeze Zoo, Alabama Safari Park, Texas Zoofari Park, we will be able to support up to three aspiring conservationists (individuals or groups) with grants of $1000 each, (given in two payments of $500, with the second one conditional on good progress).

The awards are to support a 12-month project which links to the ongoing work of the SCA in the winner’s country, and we are calling for applications from conservationists between the ages of 12 and 30 who live in the saiga’s range states, or consumer countries. 

The young conservation leaders will work with the SCA’s administrative team to develop a project of their choice which is aligned with the aims of the SCA (see here) and the MoU on saiga conservation under the Convention on Migratory Species (see here). They will be mentored by a member of the SCA Steering Committee. The SCA will also support them to access opportunities for funding and training, e.g. WCN student internships, the Student Conference on Conservation Science, helping them write a Rufford grant, or other support that they may need.

Find out about previous winners and their projects here.

The Young Conservation Leaders award application form must be applied for by the candidate themselves. Previous winners are allowed to reapply. If you are under 18 years old, you will need to nominate an adult to receive your award on your behalf. If you are applying as a group, please nominate a group leader to represent you.

In order to apply for an award, please fill out the application form in English or in Russian (application forms below) and submit your application to saigaalliance@gmail.com.

Download Application Form

Application form must be submitted not later than midnight (BST) May 1st, 2023.

  1. Name and contact details (including email, telephone and address): 
  2. Date of birth: 
  3. If you are under 18 please list your nominated adult including email, telephone:
  4. If you are a group please list all members and their ages:
  5. Current position or employment, including name of your institution: 
  6. Please explain your experience of conservation to date (<200 words): 
  7. Why would you like to receive this award (<200 words): 
  8. What saiga conservation activities would you like to work on with the SCA during the award period (<200 words)
  9. Briefly outline your work plan, with costs, activities and timings (<200 words): 
  10. What are your longer term career goals (<200 words):

Download Application Form