Application Criteria

The following criteria must be met to be eligible to apply for the Future For Nature Awards 2026 and will be used in the selection procedure for the Award winners.

The candidate:
- Must be an individual, not an organisation, programme, or group of individuals.
- Must be born on or after the 31st May 1990 (Maximum age of 35 years old at the FFN Award event) and before the 28th of August 2007 (minimum age of 18 years old at the time of submitting your application).
- Has achieved substantial and long-term benefits to the conservation status of one or more species.
- Has demonstrated commitment, determination, and passion for conservation work.
- Has demonstrated leadership, entrepreneurship, and a clear view of conservation work.
- Has been creative and innovative in their work.
- Has demonstrated to be honourable in the conservation work performed.
- Must be determined to continue their conservation work, as the Award aims to stimulate the winner’s future work. It is not an “end of career” prize.
- Is able to explain their conservation work in proficient English (written and spoken).
The award should be used for a conservation initiative of the winner’s own choice and implemented by them.
The award should be used for the conservation of species. The conservation initiative can involve a component of (fundamental) research, but this should not be the main focus. The relevance of the proposed activities to species conservation and the practical impact should be made clear.

Additional Remarks

Winners will present their work at the Future For Nature Award event at Royal Burgers’ Zoo in Arnhem, the Netherlands. The event will take place in May 2025. Travel and accommodation expenses will be covered by the Future For Nature Foundation.
Future For Nature will not allow administrative deductions to be made or claimed by mother organisations.
From all applications, 6 to 10 nominees will be shortlisted. These applicants will be required to provide additional information (which may include photos and/or video) which will be used for the selection of the three awardees.