Relevant initiatives

EuroGIS-GPS: Testing a competency framework for biodiversity data collection

Ambios Ltd

2011-2013

European

Yes

Transfer of Innovation

EuroGIS-GPS: Testing a competency framework for biodiversity data collection

Ambios Ltd

UK/11/LLP-LdV/TOI-463

Online course, Teaching Methodology

Biology, Science

Polish, Other EU, English

Teachers, Students

The European Habitats Directive (1992) is the cornerstone of Europe’s nature conservation policy, protecting threatened Natura 2000 sites and endangered species and habitats. Recording the location of the latter is central to the Directive and is used to measure the rate of climate change. Wildlife does not recognize borders and European scale information shows trends over time.
The aim of this project is to transfer competencies and qualifications, adapt them to a common set of standards and then test these with Countryside Rangers/Volunteers.

This project will analyze existing training programs and integrate these with qualifications for delivery across all 5 partner countries. Trainers and Trainees will be involved in the co-creation (with professional practitioners) of learning content which will link the delivery of GPS & GIS competencies. A pathway leading to a European qualification will be identified. Innovative webinar (online seminar) technology will support learners. An existing local GIS-GPS qualification (Open College Network) exists (written by Ambios) and there is a national qualification (Qualifications and Credit Framework [QCF ITQ]) that accredits the use of specialist software. Both will be transferred and adapted to suit the needs of partner countries. This supports the European LIFEWATCH plan which identified the need for biodiversity data handling training packages.

The project will deliver training packages to Countryside Rangers/Volunteers (prospective and existing) enabling them to cascade their learning to co-workers (extending the reach of the project) – and directly use their new skills in the workplace with immediate effect.

The partnership brings together educational, ecological and technology professionals from not-for-profit, research institutes, universities and charities. The partnership is new with all having worked separately with Ambios on other European Lifelong Learning Projects (LLPs).

Based on Europe’s nature conservation policy, which focuses on protecting threatened natural sites and endangered species and habitats the aim of this ambitious project is: to create a common set of standards, test these with Countryside Rangers/Volunteers, organize training courses leading to new European qualifications and new jobs in the environmental field.

"Habitats Directive was created to conserve species of wildlife and plants habitats in the European Union, through the establishment of Special Areas of Conservation. All actions based on this directive are focused on maintaining a favorable conservation status or on rehabilitation of species and designated habitats, in areas established with the European Commission. Together with sites from the Birds Directive, these sites have been integrated into the Natura 2000, the largest ecological network in the world. There are nearly 22,000 sites designated under the Habitats Directive, covering approx. 13.3% of EU territory. "
It is clear that the purpose of the project is, on the one hand, to acknowledge our role in biodiversity and, on the other hand, to discover new areas of interest and to preserve existing ecosystems. The fact that trainers and trainees are involved in co-creation of GPS and GIS tools and that, the project will provide training packages for Volunteers / Interns enabling them to transfer the skills learned and subsequently to directly use their new skills to work with immediate effect can only be gratifying.

It is definitely a very interesting project, which aims at protecting the quality of our environment. It also creates new jobs through its well-organized training courses.