The Incubator - Realize your nature conservation dream

The current, global state of nature and wildlife is of grave concern. There is an urgent need for more and more effective action to counter the degradation and to restore damaged areas. Nature needs a new generation of conservationists with new ideas, vision and courage, who dare to think outside the box to create a durable impact. A new generation that manages to engage in unusual collaborations and interdisciplinary approaches that are capable of bringing about the change that is needed.

It is the current, sincere generation of students and young graduates that has these ideas and is eager to contribute to conservation. But how do you, as a young graduate, put your ideas into an attractive proposal, how do you create bridges, and how do you generate funds to get going? The Incubator aims to do just that: support a selection of ambitious, young, creative conservationists in developing a successful project. The Incubator offers a free-of-charge trajectory of coaching and expertise to sharpen the new conservation proposals and help you get started on changing the world!

Ofir Drori to students (2016): “Conservation needs new ideas and new approaches. You have a better chance than older conservationists, because you have no experience.”

Do you have a new, innovative idea how to help protect nature and conserve species? Do you have a conservation dream and a real drive? But you don’t know how to get started or make it happen? Then the Incubator is for you! Sign up now here below.

What is the Incubator?

The Incubator is a 6-month coaching trajectory where you will work together with coaches to work out and improve your nature conservation proposal. You will create a complete and comprehensive business or project plan together with experts.

How does it work?

In the application you formulate and justify your basic idea, and describe how you would lead the project to a success through the application form. Promising applications will be invited for an interview/intake meeting with the organising committee and one (or more) coaches. During this meeting will be discussed what the proposal or applicant needs and on which aspects the proposal needs improvement. Based on these conversations, a suitable coaches (or coaches) will be matched to the applicant. Coaches will guide the further development of the proposal and is available for feedback for the duration of 6 months. During this time the applicant will work on a detailed project plan or business plan. The applicant remains responsible for its own proposal and progress, and should be pro-active in contacting people and ask the right questions. We plan to finish the coaching trajectory with a closing event, where the participants will be present their projects and there is an opportunity to network.

Timeline

February: submitting applications, deadline March 1st 2021
March: intakes/interviews and selection of participants
April-September: coaching from experts
October: Deadline project/business plan and closing event

How to participate?

• You are at least 18 years old and not older than 35.
• You live in the Netherlands
• You study or have studied at a Dutch educational institute (university, hbo or mbo).
• The application:
  • can be done by one person or a group of max. 4 persons. If the group is larger than 4, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • may be written in Dutch or English.

• An applicant (one person or group)
  • can apply with one project per year.
  • can apply multiple times over the years, with the same or a different project.
  • can participate in the trajectory of coaching only once.

• The proposal:
  • must contribute to nature conservation in an innovative way.
  •  is not geographically restricted.
  •  must be thought through and viable. This will be evaluated together with the coaches.

Do you have a great idea on how protect or even create nature? Do you want expert guidance to help you make it happen? Sign up for the Incubator now! Download the application form and sent a filled-in version to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by March 1st 2021.

 Download here the application form: