InternationalSeminar07

							International Seminar
“Countdown 2010: people, protected areas and biodiversity conservation”
Majella National Park, September 24 – October 13, 2007 Introduction
“Countdown 2010: people, protected areas and biodiversity conservation” is an international Seminar on the management of protected areas and biodiversity, promoted by Italian Protected Areas Federation (Federparchi), Majella National Park, IUCN WCPA and CEC Commissions and WCPA European Training Task Force. The Seminar is supported by the Italian Ministry of Environment and Abruzzo Region Government. This is a result of successful long term cooperation between IUCN WCPA Europe and CEC, aimed at the development of common programmes to meet the needs and requirements for more effective management of protected areas. Based in the Majella National Park (Abruzzo Region), from September 24 to October 13, 2007, this first seminar will focus on methods and techniques of monitoring, managing and conserving biodiversity in protected areas, analyzing case studies and best practices worldwide.

Participants & target group
The target number will be a maximum of 30 with a minimum of 20, participants involved in Protected Area management. The priority will be for Managers with some experience of Protected Areas. However staff from Government Agencies, Local Authorities, NGOs, as well as Academic and private sector representatives will be considered. Selection of participants will be based on provenance and on professional and technical competence (ensuring, where possible, representation from a variety of countries).

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Aims
• to respond to and implement international resolutions and recommendations (World Park Congress, World Conservation Congress) and conventions (CBD and others) relevant to the seminar themes (Biodiversity Conservation, effective PA management, networking and connectivity of PAs); to contribute to Countdown 2010 and to better management of Biodiversity by people for PAs.

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Objectives - by the end of the seminar the participants will (through interactive learning and practical activities) be able to;
a) reinforce and share a common vision and experiences in the field of Protected Areas and Biodiversity; b) understand and point out the links between Biodiversity & Sustainability; c) identify the main methods for assessing training needs for human resources development; d) apply methods and techniques for monitoring and managing Biodiversity; e) improve their communication, team work and leadership skills; f) design, and present their own proposal for an initiative aimed at contributing to Countdown 2010, according to CEPA recommendations and guidelines; g) develop capacities for networking in Biodiversity conservation projects.

Themes
The following themes were identified by the international executive committee in charge of planning the seminar as significant areas of European and worldwide concern. The seminar will focus on the following main topics: • • • • • • “Biodiversity Basics” “Conservation and Biodiversity: theory and practice” “Managing and monitoring biodiversity conservation” “Management skills-the human diversity” “Communication, Education, Participation, Awareness-CEPA principles and basic skills” “The role of education and interpretation in biodiversity conservation”

The seminar will stimulate debates and interactive problem solving around issues related to Protected Areas and biodiversity management, taking advantage of the rich experiences and multiple cultural perspectives of the participants, as well as of the unique heritage and resources available in the Majella National Park.

Timing and location
The seminar will last 3 weeks and will take place in Majella National (http://www.parcomajella.it/en_home.htm), Italy, from September 24 to October 13, 2007. Park

The participants will visit several protected areas in the Apennine Mountains including Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise National Park and Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park.

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Official language
The course is offered in the English language, so proficiency in English is a requirement for course attendance.

Instructional staff and trainers
The Pangea Institute (European Institute for Environmental Education and Training), an Italian IUCN member belonging to the Network of European Environmental Training Centres of Excellence (NEETCE), is the technical support unit for the organization of the Seminar and it will provide a training team. Trainers will be top European specialists (IUCN WCPA & CEC experts, professors and researchers from Italian Universities, planners, and protected area managers) in conservation biology, in protected area management, as well as such topics as communication, education, participation and awareness (CEPA).

Tuition fee
The tuition fee of 3.500,00 euros for each participant includes: • • • • • • • • training fee – 19 days training, books, stationery, teaching aids etc..; accommodation in double/triple rooms. Single room on request will cost extra meals social events shuttle from/to Rome airports transport during the course excursions and study tours field visits

Travel expenses to and from Rome are the responsibility of participants. A limited number of scholarships, for selected candidates from developing countries will be awarded by National and International Institutions.

Guidelines
The seminar is a technical and professional course, placing a high demand on the enthusiasms and contributions of participants who are expected to become actively engaged in discussions and activities throughout the programme. Each participant will be asked to offer a brief presentation on protected area management in their home country based on their own personal experience of issues related to protected areas and biodiversity management. During the field visits participants will have the opportunity to interact with experts, park managers, staff and local communities. At the end of the seminar, participants will be involved in group work on possible practical contributions to Countdown 2010 in their own countries.

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Application
Applicants are requested to complete the attached booking form, print out and send as soon as possible, to: Istituto Pangea – onlus (see the address below) Enrolment on the seminar is limited and early application is strongly recommended. Applications will close on June 15, 2007.

Payment
An initial 350,00 (three hundred and fifty) euros non-refundable deposit has to be paid upon confirmation of participation. Remaining payment must be completed at least six weeks prior to the beginning of the seminar. A waiting list will operate; if full payment is not received by the deadline the place will be offered to others. The international executive committee reserves the right to cancel the seminar due to unforeseen circumstances. In this unlikely event an alternative date will be proposed or a refund offered. No refunds will be made for cancellation by individuals less than four weeks before the seminar. Data for Bank Transfers will be communicated with the confirmation of participation.

Further information
For more information, please contact: Dr. Rita de Stefano Director of Istituto Pangea – onlus c/o Centro Visitatori del Parco Nazionale del Circeo Via Carlo Alberto 04016 Sabaudia – LT ITALY Tel & fax: + 39 0773 511352 e-mail: campus@istpangea.it ; rdestefano@libero.it

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