Applications are now open for the Nature Restoration Academy 2026, a free training initiative designed to develop practical skills in marine and freshwater ecosystem restoration.
Organized and hosted by the SUBMARINER Network for Blue Growth, the programme combines an online introductory session with an intensive two-day, in-person training event at the organization’s office in Berlin, Germany. Selected participants will learn through expert lectures, practical workshops, European restoration case studies, digital monitoring approaches, and a multi-stakeholder negotiation simulation.
The programme is intended to help the next generation of restoration professionals translate environmental research and scientific knowledge into practical action. It will address the recovery of rivers, lakes, wetlands, coastal ecosystems, seas, and connected aquatic environments across the land–freshwater–marine continuum.
Participation is free, but only 30 places are available. Applicants must submit their applications by September 15, 2026. Selected participants will be notified by October 1, 2026.
Full details are available in the official SUBMARINER Network announcement.
Nature Restoration Academy 2026: Key Information
| Programme information | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme name | Nature Restoration Academy |
| Main subject | Marine and freshwater ecosystem restoration |
| Host organization | SUBMARINER Network for Blue Growth |
| Funding organization | EIT Water |
| Supporting organization | Poul Due Jensen Foundation, also known as the Grundfos Foundation |
| Online baseline session | October 6, 2026 |
| In-person training dates | October 29–30, 2026 |
| Location | SUBMARINER Network office, Berlin, Germany |
| Duration | One online session followed by two days of in-person training |
| Participation fee | Free of charge |
| Available places | Maximum of 30 participants |
| Travel assistance | A contribution may be available for participants travelling from outside Germany |
| Application deadline | September 15, 2026 |
| Selection notification | By October 1, 2026 |
| Application requirement | Motivation statement and short CV |
| Application form | Nature Restoration Academy Application Form |
What Is the Nature Restoration Academy?
The Nature Restoration Academy is a new capacity-building initiative focused on practical methods for restoring marine and freshwater ecosystems.
The programme responds to the growing need for people who can connect environmental science, public policy, community participation, monitoring systems, and sustainable finance with real restoration projects. Its purpose is not limited to explaining restoration concepts theoretically. Instead, the Academy aims to develop practical understanding that participants can apply in their studies, employment, research, policy work, conservation programmes, or community initiatives.
The Academy covers ecosystems as an interconnected continuum. This means restoration is not treated as a series of isolated activities. Rivers, lakes, wetlands, estuaries, coasts, and marine environments are considered connected systems in which changes in one area may affect conditions elsewhere.
For example, freshwater quality can influence coastal ecosystems, while wetland degradation may affect biodiversity, water storage, flood management, nutrient flows, and surrounding communities. An integrated restoration approach therefore requires coordination across scientific disciplines, geographic boundaries, institutions, and stakeholder groups.
The programme has been designed to help participants understand these relationships and convert restoration knowledge into implementable solutions.
Who Organizes the Nature Restoration Academy?
The Academy is organized and hosted by the SUBMARINER Network for Blue Growth.
The SUBMARINER Network is a cooperation platform that connects research and educational institutions, public authorities, civil society organizations, business support institutions, and private companies working within the sustainable blue economy.
Although the network is rooted in the Baltic Sea Region, its partnerships and activities extend across Europe and beyond. Its work includes marine conservation, protected areas, sustainable aquaculture, blue biotechnology, maritime spatial planning, ecosystem restoration, policy development, innovation, and capacity-building.
The Nature Restoration Academy is funded by EIT Water and supported by the Poul Due Jensen Foundation, also known as the Grundfos Foundation.
Why Marine and Freshwater Restoration Training Matters
Aquatic ecosystems provide essential environmental, social, and economic services. Healthy rivers, lakes, wetlands, coastal areas, and seas can support biodiversity, water quality, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, food systems, recreation, tourism, and community well-being.
However, restoration projects are often technically and institutionally complex. Successful implementation may require cooperation among:
- Scientists and researchers
- Environmental authorities
- Local governments
- Conservation organizations
- Businesses and investors
- Marine and freshwater practitioners
- Community groups
- Citizen scientists
- Energy developers
- Landowners
- Fisheries and aquaculture stakeholders
- Civil society organizations
- Funding institutions
Restoration professionals must understand ecological processes, but they may also need skills in stakeholder engagement, monitoring, project design, policy implementation, business planning, and funding.
The Nature Restoration Academy has been structured around this practical reality. Its combination of scientific content, case studies, workshops, simulations, and financing discussions is intended to help participants understand how restoration projects move from ideas and policies to implementation.
Structure of the Nature Restoration Academy
The programme consists of three connected components.
1. Online Baseline Session
Selected participants must first attend an online baseline session on October 6, 2026.
The session will provide a common foundation before the in-person event. It will draw on relevant material from the Blue Bio Techpreneurs course, Integrated Ocean Planning: Marine Protected Areas, Multi-Use and Business Pathways.
This common starting point should enable participants from different educational and professional backgrounds to take part more effectively in the advanced discussions and workshops held in Berlin.
The application form specifically asks candidates to confirm whether they can attend the October 6 online session. Selected applicants are expected to participate in both the online and in-person components.
2. Two-Day Training Event in Berlin
The main in-person programme will take place at the SUBMARINER Network’s Berlin office on October 29 and 30, 2026.
The two-day event will combine:
- Lectures delivered by programme partners and invited experts
- Marine and freshwater restoration case studies
- Practical and interactive workshops
- Discussions on nature-based restoration approaches
- A multi-stakeholder negotiation simulation
- Digital monitoring and citizen-science content
- Sessions on project funding and business models
- A dedicated discussion on gender equality within the sector
The limited cohort of 30 participants is likely to support active engagement, group work, peer learning, and direct interaction with trainers and other participants.
3. New Online Restoration Module
Sessions delivered during the Berlin event will be recorded and used to develop a new online restoration module.
The module will be added to the Blue Bio Techpreneurs course hosted on FutureLearn. This will allow the lessons, case studies, and expertise shared in Berlin to reach a much larger international audience after the in-person event.
When announcing the Academy, SUBMARINER reported that the existing course had already reached 464 learners from more than 80 countries. The linked FutureLearn course provides theoretical foundations in marine protected areas, maritime spatial planning, ocean multi-use, conservation governance, business planning, and sustainable blue-economy development.
The Nature Restoration Academy adds a more practical, in-person restoration component to this existing learning framework.
Main Training Topics
The programme will cover a broad selection of issues affecting the planning, implementation, monitoring, and financial sustainability of restoration projects.
Nature-Based Solutions
Participants will examine how nature-based solutions can be used to restore marine and freshwater ecosystems.
Nature-based solutions generally work with natural ecological processes to address environmental and social challenges. Within aquatic restoration, these approaches may involve rebuilding ecosystem functions, improving habitat quality, strengthening biodiversity, or increasing resilience to environmental pressures.
The Academy will connect these concepts with practical marine and freshwater restoration work.
European Restoration Case Studies
Real restoration case studies from Europe will be used to demonstrate how projects are designed and implemented in practice.
Case-based learning can help participants understand:
- How restoration priorities are selected
- Which stakeholders need to be involved
- How ecological objectives are translated into activities
- What implementation challenges may arise
- How project results can be monitored
- Which lessons can be transferred to other locations
These examples should allow participants to compare restoration strategies across different ecosystems and institutional settings.
Citizen Science
The programme will explore the role of citizen science in restoration.
Citizen science can involve members of the public in observing environmental changes, collecting ecological data, reporting species, monitoring water conditions, or supporting long-term project evaluation.
When properly designed, citizen-science programmes can expand monitoring capacity while improving public understanding and local ownership of restoration initiatives.
Digital Monitoring
Participants will also examine digital approaches to monitoring marine and freshwater restoration.
Digital monitoring can help project teams collect, organize, analyse, and communicate environmental information more effectively. Depending on the project, this may include remote sensing, digital mapping, mobile data collection, automated sensors, databases, or online reporting systems.
The Academy will consider how these tools can contribute to evidence-based restoration planning and evaluation.
Restoration in Offshore Wind Parks
One specialized topic will address restoration within offshore wind parks.
The rapid development of offshore renewable energy creates both challenges and potential opportunities for marine ecosystems. Restoration and nature-inclusive planning must therefore consider the relationship between energy infrastructure, marine habitats, biodiversity, fishing activity, protected areas, and other uses of ocean space.
This session should be particularly relevant to professionals interested in offshore renewable energy, marine spatial planning, environmental assessment, nature-inclusive design, and biodiversity protection.
Business Models for Restoration
The Academy will examine the business models that can support restoration activities over time.
A restoration project may have a strong ecological justification but still struggle if it lacks a sustainable operational and financial structure. Participants will therefore consider how restoration initiatives can connect environmental objectives with viable delivery models.
Relevant questions may include:
- Who finances the initial project?
- Who is responsible for long-term management?
- Which organizations benefit from restoration?
- Can ecosystem services be incorporated into the project model?
- How can public, private, philanthropic, and community resources be combined?
- How can restoration activities continue after short-term project funding ends?
Funding Mechanisms
Closely related to business-model development, the Academy will explore financing mechanisms for marine and freshwater restoration.
This component is important because restoration projects may rely on multiple funding sources. These can include public programmes, environmental funds, foundations, private investment, corporate partnerships, research funding, community finance, or blended-finance arrangements.
The training is expected to help participants understand that securing initial funding is only one part of project development. Long-term maintenance, monitoring, governance, and institutional ownership must also be considered.
MPA Game: Multi-Stakeholder Negotiation Simulation
The Berlin programme will include the MPA Game, an interactive simulation involving multi-stakeholder negotiation.
MPA refers to a Marine Protected Area. Decisions concerning these areas may involve conservation authorities, local communities, researchers, fishing interests, tourism operators, energy developers, businesses, and other stakeholders.
The simulation will allow participants to experience the challenges of balancing environmental protection with social and economic interests. It is designed to build skills in:
- Stakeholder analysis
- Negotiation
- Conflict management
- Collaborative decision-making
- Policy interpretation
- Communication
- Compromise and consensus-building
Gender Equality in Marine and Freshwater Sectors
The programme will include a dedicated gender-equality session delivered by WIN-BIG.
This session will examine the importance of equal participation and opportunity within marine, freshwater, conservation, and blue-economy sectors. It will help participants consider how gender perspectives can be incorporated into environmental initiatives, professional development, decision-making, and sectoral leadership.
Benefits of Participating
Selected participants can expect several potential benefits from the programme:
- Free participation in a specialized restoration academy
- Practical training in marine and freshwater restoration
- Exposure to European restoration case studies
- Interaction with experts and practitioners
- Participation in workshops and negotiation simulations
- Knowledge of citizen-science and digital-monitoring approaches
- Better understanding of restoration business models
- Exposure to restoration funding mechanisms
- Learning related to offshore wind and nature-inclusive development
- A stronger understanding of stakeholder engagement
- Opportunities to connect with other early-career professionals, students, and practitioners
- Participation in discussions concerning gender equality in the sector
- A possible contribution toward travel expenses for participants travelling from outside Germany
The programme announcement does not promise employment, a research grant, a stipend, or a fully funded trip. Its principal benefit is free access to the training programme and a possible contribution toward eligible travel costs.
Participation Cost and Travel Support
Participation in the Nature Restoration Academy is free of charge. Selected applicants will not be required to pay a programme registration or tuition fee.
The organizers also state that a contribution toward travel costs is available for participants coming from outside Germany.
Applicants should understand the wording carefully. A travel contribution is not necessarily the same as complete reimbursement. The announcement does not specify:
- The maximum travel contribution
- Whether all selected international participants will receive it
- Whether accommodation is covered
- Whether meals are covered
- Whether visa expenses are covered
- When travel funds will be paid
- Which transport methods are eligible
- Whether participants must pay first and claim reimbursement later
The application form asks candidates to state:
- Where they will travel from
- The approximate distance to Berlin
- Their estimated travel cost
Applicants who require financial assistance should provide an accurate and reasonable travel estimate. They should also request clarification from the organizers before making non-refundable travel arrangements.
Who Should Consider Applying?
The Academy is intended for people who are already engaged in, studying, or beginning a career connected to marine or freshwater restoration.
Suitable backgrounds may include:
- Environmental science
- Marine biology
- Freshwater ecology
- Aquatic ecosystem management
- Conservation
- Biodiversity
- Marine protected areas
- Wetland restoration
- River or lake restoration
- Coastal management
- Environmental policy
- Marine spatial planning
- Citizen science
- Environmental monitoring
- Sustainable blue economy
- Offshore renewable energy
- Nature-based solutions
- Environmental project management
- Restoration finance
- Sustainability
The organizers have not published a specific age limit, minimum degree requirement, mandatory number of years of experience, or required professional title.
However, applicants should be able to demonstrate a credible connection to marine or freshwater restoration through their studies, work, research, projects, volunteering, or professional interests.
Application Requirements
Applicants must complete the official online form and provide the requested information.
The form includes the following sections:
Personal and Professional Information
Applicants must provide:
- Full name
- Email address
- Organization or university
- Department or subject of study
- Professional sector
- Country of residence
- Nationality
- Gender
- Current role or professional profile
The application form states that nationality and gender information will be used only for anonymized, aggregated reporting to EIT Water and will not be published with the applicant’s name.
Motivation Statement
Applicants must submit a short motivation statement. The online form provides a field with a 1,000-character limit.
The statement should explain:
- Why the applicant wants to attend the Academy
- How their background relates to marine or freshwater restoration
- What they expect to learn
- How they will use the training
- What experience or perspective they can contribute
- Why they are a suitable candidate for one of the 30 places
Because the available space is limited, applicants should avoid general statements and provide specific evidence of their interest or involvement.
Short Curriculum Vitae
Applicants must upload a short CV.
The CV should prioritize information relevant to restoration, environmental science, conservation, policy, monitoring, sustainability, the blue economy, or related subjects.
Relevant content may include:
- Education
- Current position or academic programme
- Environmental or restoration experience
- Research projects
- Relevant employment
- Internships
- Volunteer activities
- Publications
- Technical skills
- Community projects
- Professional memberships
- Training and certifications
Attendance Confirmation
Applicants must confirm whether they can attend the online baseline session on October 6, 2026.
Selected participants are expected to attend both the online baseline session and the two-day event in Berlin. Candidates who cannot participate in both components may be less suitable for selection.
Travel Information
Applicants must identify:
- Their point of departure
- The approximate distance to Berlin
- The estimated cost of travelling to Berlin
This information may help the organizers assess travel-support requirements for participants coming from outside Germany.
Dietary and Accessibility Information
The form allows applicants to disclose dietary requirements, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
Applicants may also provide details of any accessibility requirements relevant to their participation.
Data, Newsletter, and Media Information
The application includes fields concerning:
- SUBMARINER Network newsletter updates
- Processing of personal data for event administration and anonymized reporting
- Photography and filming during the event
The event will be photographed and filmed for promotional and educational purposes by EIT Water, the Poul Due Jensen Foundation, and the SUBMARINER Network. Recorded sessions will also contribute to the future online restoration module.
Applicants should read the consent language and the SUBMARINER Network privacy policy carefully before submitting the form.
How to Apply
Applicants should complete the following steps:
- Review the official programme announcement.
- Confirm availability for the online session on October 6, 2026.
- Confirm availability to travel to Berlin for October 29–30, 2026.
- Prepare a concise motivation statement within the application field’s 1,000-character limit.
- Prepare a short, relevant CV.
- Estimate the travel distance and cost to Berlin.
- Complete all personal, academic, professional, dietary, accessibility, and consent sections.
- Review the information carefully.
- Submit the form before September 15, 2026.
Applications must be submitted through the official Nature Restoration Academy application form.
Important Dates
| Stage | Date |
| Application deadline | September 15, 2026 |
| Selection notification | By October 1, 2026 |
| Online baseline session | October 6, 2026 |
| In-person Berlin training | October 29–30, 2026 |
The official announcement does not specify a deadline time or time zone. Applicants should therefore submit before the final date rather than waiting until the last few hours.
Separate Opportunity for Lecturers and Workshop Leaders
In addition to participant applications, the SUBMARINER Network is inviting restoration experts to contribute a lecture or case study to the Berlin programme.
Potential contributors should:
- Have expertise in marine or freshwater restoration
- Be able to participate in person in Berlin
- Be prepared to deliver a session of approximately one hour
- Consider combining a short lecture with an interactive workshop
- Be willing for the session to be recorded and incorporated into the new FutureLearn restoration module
Experts interested in contributing should contact the organizers at info@submariner-network.eu.
This contributor invitation is separate from the standard application process for the 30 participant places.
Tips for a Strong Application
Because only 30 participants will be selected, applicants should make their relevance clear.
A strong application should:
- Establish a direct connection with marine or freshwater restoration.
- Mention a specific academic, professional, research, or community project.
- Explain which Academy topics are most relevant to the applicant.
- Describe how the knowledge will be applied after the programme.
- Show an interest in practical implementation, not only theory.
- Demonstrate willingness to participate actively in workshops and simulations.
- Confirm availability for both programme components.
- Provide a concise and relevant CV.
- Give an accurate estimate of travel costs.
- Submit before the deadline.
Applicants should not describe the programme as fully funded. Participation is free, and a travel contribution may be available for people travelling from outside Germany, but complete coverage of travel, accommodation, meals, visas, or other costs has not been announced.
Conclusion
The Nature Restoration Academy 2026 provides a valuable opportunity to develop practical skills in marine and freshwater ecosystem restoration through a combination of online learning, expert instruction, applied case studies, interactive workshops, and stakeholder simulation.
The programme’s focus on nature-based solutions, citizen science, digital monitoring, offshore wind parks, restoration finance, business models, negotiation, and gender equality reflects the wide range of capabilities required to deliver successful environmental restoration projects.
Participation is free, and a contribution toward travel expenses may be available for selected participants travelling from outside Germany. However, places are highly limited, with only 30 participants expected to join the programme.
Eligible candidates should prepare a focused motivation statement and short CV, confirm that they can attend the October 6 online session and the October 29–30 Berlin event, and submit the official application by September 15, 2026.
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