Applications open: Conservation Standards Course and Coaching Programme – Southeast Asia Women Edition (2026-2027)

Association Anoulak and Alcedo Conservation are proud to launch the Conservation Standards Course and Coaching Programme: South East Asia Women Edition (2026–2027). This free programme is open to women working in locally led conservation organisations in nine Southeast Asian countries. It will equip them to plan, manage and adapt their conservation work using the internationally recognised Conservation Standards, and will then support four participants, through one-to-one coaching, to turn that learning into a strategic plan for a real project.

Applications are open until 31 October 2026 at 12:00 UTC. Full details are in the Participant Information Sheet (PDF).

Why a programme for women conservation leaders?

Women play a vital role in protecting nature across Southeast Asia, yet they still face barriers to moving ahead in the sector, from unequal pay and fewer chances to lead, to being left out of key decisions. At the same time, many conservation organisations in the region need stronger skills to plan and manage their projects, and training opportunities remain scarce.

This programme responds to both needs. It combines practical training, a supportive network of peers from across the region, and one-to-one coaching, helping women gain the skills, confidence and connections to lead effective conservation.

What the programme offers

The programme is built on the Conservation Standards (the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation), a flexible adaptive management framework developed and regularly updated by the Conservation Measures Partnership together with the wider conservation community. It helps teams check whether they are taking the right actions, carrying them out well, and achieving the impact they intend.

Part 1 – Getting Started with the Conservation Standards (30 November – 4 December 2026). Up to 21 selected participants will join a live, fully facilitated online course over five consecutive days, from 15:00 to 19:00 Singapore time (UTC+8), about 21 hours in total including one hour of preparation. Through presentations, discussion and practical work in small groups, participants will build a solid grounding in the Conservation Standards and adaptive management while connecting with peers from across the region. Sessions are delivered by a trained Conservation Coach under the guidance of Catherine Payne, founder and director of Alcedo Conservation, Certified Conservation Coach and Conservation Measures Partnership Board member.

Part 2 – Next Steps coaching (January – April 2027). After the course, four participants will be selected for up to 30 hours of live online one-to-one coaching, usually in weekly sessions over about 15 weeks. Coachees will be chosen on their motivation, how well their project fits what the programme can support, backing from their organisation, and the time they can commit. Working with their coach, each will apply the Conservation Standards to a project or programme of their own and come away with a draft strategic plan.

Graduation. The programme will close with a public online graduation, where participants and coachees will share their experience and results with invited donors and partners, raising the profile of their work.

Who can apply

The programme is free of charge for selected participants. Selection is competitive, and we welcome applications from women who:

• are citizens of Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste or Vietnam;
• work for a locally led organisation focused on nature conservation;
• hold a decision-making role, or have the backing of decision-makers in their organisation;
• are proficient in English, as the programme is delivered entirely in English;
• are strongly motivated to apply international standards in their conservation practice; and
• can commit to the full programme, including Part 2 coaching if selected.

How to apply

Applications close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00 UTC.

• Read the full details and download the Participant Information Sheet (PDF)
• Apply through Alcedo Conservation’s online application form.
• Questions? Contact us at camillecoudrat@gmail.com and catherine@alcedoconservation.com

Please share this call with women colleagues who could benefit!