About the Call for Applications
Lima is home to more than 11.5 million people and generates 43% of the country’s economic activity, yet the Santa Eulalia sub-basin, its main source of water supply, faces a growing threat: by 2050, rainfall in the area could decrease by as much as 50%. In the face of this scenario, science is an indispensable ally.
For this reason, the Water Fund for Lima and Callao (Aquafondo), together with the Ministerio del Ambiente (MINAM) and the Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Glaciares y Ecosistemas de Montaña (INAIGEM), and with the support of the UNESCO Ecohydrology Programme, integrated within the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), are launching the second edition of the “Research Window on Water Challenges” Scholarship Competition.
This scholarship competition aims to fund research projects that promote the generation of new knowledge on Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) and Natural Infrastructure, implemented within the UNESCO Ecohydrology Demonstration Site in San Pedro de Casta.
Who can apply?
Applications are open to:
- Undergraduate and graduate students or recent graduates in environmental sciences, social sciences, economics, or other disciplines related to water resources.
- Applicants who have the support of a university faculty advisor, accredited through a letter of commitment.
- Individuals who are able to conduct their research within the “Carhuayumac Micro-watershed” Ecohydrology Demonstration Site, located in the district of San Pedro de Casta, Huarochirí, Lima.
Applications may be submitted individually or in teams of up to two members.
What does the scholarship offer?
Two research projects will be selected, and each will receive the following benefits:
- Funding of up to S/ 4,500 to support the development of the research project.
- Certificate and official recognition issued by Aquafondo, the Ministerio del Ambiente (MINAM), and the Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Glaciares y Ecosistemas de Montaña (INAIGEM).
- Specialized technical guidance and mentorship throughout the entire implementation of the research project.
- Institutional support from Aquafondo to help identify and pursue complementary funding opportunities.
- Publication of research findings through the institutional newsletters and communication channels of Aquafondo, the Ministerio del Ambiente (MINAM), and the Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Glaciares y Ecosistemas de Montaña (INAIGEM).
Research Topics
The research proposal must address at least one of the following themes related to Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) and Natural Infrastructure:
- Application of ecohydrology for the conservation and restoration of freshwater ecosystems.
- Assessment of ecosystem services, including water regulation, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation.
- Economic impacts of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) to support decision-making and investment strategies.
- Management of extreme water-related risks, including landslides (huaycos), droughts, and floods.
- Hydrological modeling and future scenario analysis.
- Ancestral knowledge and traditional practices in water management.
- Educational strategies for the preservation and transmission of ancestral water knowledge.
- Climate resilience of ecosystems and rural farming communities.
- Sustainable financing mechanisms.
- Analysis of socio-environmental conflicts related to water resources.
- Application of artificial intelligence for the assessment and monitoring of freshwater ecosystems.
2026 Timeline
June 23: Launch of the call for applications.
August 2: Deadline for submission of applications.
August: Evaluation of research proposals.
September 1: Announcement of selected projects and publication of results.
How to apply?
Submit your proposal in Word or PDF format no later than 11:59 p.m. on August 2, 2026.
Inquiries:eche@aquafondo.org.pe
WhatsApp: +51 997 134 404
Download the application guidelines and submission forms here:
