Supporting e-learning and capacity building for Natura 2000 Managers
This innovative three-year project explored the potential of building new approaches and learning methods to improve knowledge and capacity amongst Natura 2000 Managers in both public and private land, across the EU. Taking a competence-based approach, it enabled peers to connect and learn about what managers need to know and be able to do.
The project analysed training needs and made available new ways of accessing information about the multiple skills required for Natura 2000 management and policy implementation.
All you need to know about the Project!
New learning tools and methods to build capacity & develop competences
The project examined the competencies required by a range of actors to manage Natura 2000 more effectively. To do this, the project tested a mix of innovative tools, e-learning methods and approaches to delivering capacity building.
A cohort of 60 participants formed the project’s ‘core group’ of participants: this was complemented and extended by a further target group of 500 ‘casual’ users of the project’s competence development materials. The participants were drawn from the full spectrum of managers working with and involved in the implementation of Natura 2000. In this way, the project proactively engaged a
representative range of Natura 2000 managers across the EU – site-based staff, private landowners, protected area staff, rangers etc.
Capacity Building in Europe – Ranger training in Romania © ProPark Foundation for Protected Areas
With the focus on developing a flexible mix of blended learning tools and methods which are designed to build capacity and develop competencies required, the project aimed to reach the widest possible audience – site based Natura 2000 practitioners, whether managers, specialist staff such as communication and interpretation officers or ecologists, as well as people directly involved with management planning and Natura 2000 policy implementation. We actively looked to engage a broad spectrum of individual Natura 2000 site managers, Rangers and private landowners interested and motivated to learn more about Natura 2000, what it is, why it matters and how to improve management practices.
Three learning modules were developed to cover three selected priority competence areas to provide access to the knowledge and skills required to manage Natura 2000. The project modules covered competencies identified as being required for Natura 2000 managers, in areas such as Natura 2000 policy and planning, biodiversity conservation, awareness and education, communication and collaboration and community-based engagement.
By means of workshops, webinars, interactive online learning materials, video demonstrations, case studies and a new web-based ‘hub’, the project increased access to a range of information and enable experience exchange – sharing
your experience matters, especially for Natura 2000 managers, so be involved and start e-learning!
Partners
The project was led by the EUROPARC Federation with the support of six partners:
- ProPark,
- FUNGOBE / EUROPARC Spain,
- TESAF Department of the University of Padova,
- European Landowners Organisation,
- Kullaberg Nature Reserve.
