Programme structure
The 13-month course consists of four ten-day extra-occupational training modules at the International Academy for Nature Conservation on the Isle of Vilm, Germany. Each module includes eight days of on-site training and a two-day excursion to leading nature conservation institutions and sites in Germany. Training language is English.
The modules combine joint learning on key conservation topics with management and leadership training:
- Module 1 "Informing Conservation": Types and distribution of biodiversity, trends, causes and root causes of biodiversity loss, conservation rationales, evaluating and monitoring biodiversity; information management and communication for biodiversity conservation (March 8-19, 2012)
- Module 2 "Conservation Management in a Spatial Context": Conservation management in protected areas and beyond, integrated land use planning, ecological networks; project planning and management for biodiversity conservation (August 28 - September 8, 2012)
- Module 3 "Conservation Governance and Policy": Decision making processes and structures relevant to conservation at the local, national and international level, user-based approaches to resource conservation; strategic planning and negotiation for biodiversity conservation (November 6-17, 2012)
- Module 4 "Conservation Economics and Financing": Ecological economics, TEEB, resource mobilization and sustainable financing of conservation measures; financial planning and management for nature conservation (March 5-16, 2013)
In order to guide the learning process, participants will also formulate their own plans for their professional development during the course.
As part of the programme, participants will develop a transfer project with relevance to the work of their home institution. The transfer project, once implemented, is expected to improve the effectiveness of their organisation or project. It should address a technical or management challenge that the home institution is facing and suggest solutions or innovative ways how to overcome this. Participants will receive assistance and technical input by trainers and mentors throughout the entire elaboration process.
At the end of each module, participants will complete tests on selected conservation and management topics. During intervals between the modules, participants will be expected to work on their transfer projects and fulfil additional assignments such as e-learning units and work on case studies.
