Concept development of a course on “Natura 2000 Management” at European level and testing of test modules

Keywords: education, communication, e-learning, nature conservation management

Subject and objectives of the project

The Birds Directive (1979) and the Habitats Directive (1992), which were enacted to protect wild species and habitats in the EU, are intended to guide the designation of protected areas within the framework of the EU-wide Natura 2000 network of protected areas. However, there are deficits in nature conservation training throughout Europe, such as a lack of specialization in Natura 2000, insufficient knowledge of EU legislation, a lack of practical orientation and interdisciplinarity, as well as a lack of European networking. Regional differences and the need for practice-relevant further training are also still hardly taken into account. To address this situation, the DBU has already funded two projects in recent years to develop and digitize training on Natura 2000 management. The foundations were laid for a traditional training format, which was later developed into a hybrid learning format using augmented reality (AR). FFH habitat types were digitized in various maintenance states and made virtually accessible, allowing participants to learn mapping, maintenance and management measures in a practical and flexible manner.

The current project is now setting a further milestone and will develop a concept for a Natura 2000 management course at EU level. The aim is to develop a transferable, modular training program that supports the implementation of Natura 2000 and the new Nature Restoration Law. An overall curriculum will be developed, at least two existing German modules will be adapted for Romania and new modules (e.g. on wildlife and landscape management) will be tested.

Furthermore, using Moldova as an example, the focus will also be on EU candidate countries, which will have to implement Natura 2000 regulations when they join the European Union and will need both structures and specialists to do so. Accordingly, additional content dealing with the establishment of Natura 2000 is relevant for EU accession candidates. This is to be realized in a starter package and two test teaching/learning modules with practical phases for Moldova.

The main target groups for the training program are nature conservation specialists, employees of administrations, planning and mapping offices, NGOs and the self-employed who are involved in the management of protected areas. The program opens up new qualification opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular. The project partnership with ProPark (Romania) and a corresponding institution in the Republic of Moldova as well as the planned cooperation with the Moldovan Ministry of the Environment ensure that the content is jointly developed, coordinated and widely supported.

Innovation and exemplary nature of the project

In cooperation with the European Nature Academy (ENA) and the EUROPARC Federation as the sponsor of the ENA and umbrella organization of large European protected areas, scaling potentials are being examined, including a long-term financing and sponsoring structure (e.g. gGmbH). The project results will be incorporated into the CEN learning platform of ProPark and will be available throughout Europe. The project strengthens the expertise of nature conservation actors, promotes the Europe-wide exchange of knowledge and thus makes an important contribution to the professionalization of European nature conservation and the sustainable implementation of Natura 2000.

Special aspects of the project

For the first time, civil society nature conservation experts from Germany, Romania and Moldova are cooperating in the field of capacity building for professionalized nature conservation in order to promote the practical implementation of EU nature conservation directives in younger and future EU member states.

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Katinka Sauer

Funding theme 9: Nature conservation and water protection

Project implementation:

• Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND) e. V., Landesverband Thüringen e. V., Erfurt
• ProPark – Fundaţia pentru Arii Protejate, Braşov/Kronstadt, Romania

Associated partners:

• Non-governmental organization from Moldova

Places of activity: Romania, Republic of Moldova

Funding period: October 2025 to March 2027

Project costs: Total volume: 167,890 euros, funding from DBU: 83,945 euros

DBU-AZ: 39576

Status: 09.03.2026