The Regular Training Programme is a new activity of MedPAN that started in 2019. It aims to build MPAs operational capacity on targeted topics. It is hosted in 5 MPAs around the Mediterranean basin. The programme is built in cooperation with network partners who also provide training.
Training locations
Training modules already available
A few training modules have already been developed and several sessions already took place. The goal is to repeat these sessions. Over time, these modules will be integrated in training cycles on targeted topics. Today 3 topics are identified: fisheries, mobile species and financing. Other training topics will be covered by the programme in the future.
- Mapping marine habitat, species and pressure in shallow coastal waters
- Monitoring and conservation of cetaceans across Mediterranean MPAs
- Monitoring and conservation of marine turtles in Mediterranean MPAs
- Business planning for Mediterranean MPAs
Mapping marine habitat, species and pressure in shallow coastal waters.
This module was developed in partnership with Septentrion Environnement, Port-Cros National Park and Calanques National Park.
Learning objective
- Acquire knowledge about major coastal biocenosis and their ecological function
- Realise a preliminary mapping and diagnostic of the study site
- Define the sampling methodology, strategy and effort for field work
- Prepare field work
- Perform in situ data collection
- Perform data compilation and synthesis
- Carry out a cross-examination of the mosaic of underwater seascapes: identification of habitats with priority issues by cross analysis of ecological function / pressure-threats
Training approach
This highly operational training course includes classroom sessions (theory, data analysis) and field exercises based on snorkel methodologies. It is based on the approach described in the methodological guide Snorkel surveys of the marine environment (Imbert M., Bonhomme P. 2014.), which has also been adapted into a series of video tutorials.
Trainees profile
This training course is intended for MPA field staff in charge of land and/or marine monitoring (field officer, technician or scientific manager).
Sessions
- October 2019 in Port-Cros National Park, France (English session)
- February 2020 in Port-Cros National Park, France (French session)
Resources
Conservation and monitoring of cetaceans across Mediterranean MPAs
This module was developed in partnership with Miraceti and Port-Cros National Park in France.
Learning objective
- Provide trainees with basic knowledge of cetaceans ecology allowing them to better understand the issues related to their MPA
- Provide trainees with practical skills to master cost-effective standard protocols
- Provide trainees with skills to identify effective management measures to address the various pressures and threats that cetaceans face in their MPA.
- Provide trainees with financing options to support the implementation of monitoring campaigns and management measures.
Training approach
This highly operational 5-day training course consists of two days of classroom training and three days of practical training in a real situation on board a sailboat (nights also spent on board).
The training is based on an operational approach aimed at providing trainees with sufficient background, expertise and experience to design and implement a cetacean management strategy adapted to their needs and resources in an integrated global context.
Trainees profile
This highly operational training is intended for field staff of MPAs or organisations involved in the management of MPAs (field officer, technician or scientific officer), in charge of monitoring the marine environment with concrete and short-term prospects for the implementation of a cetacean conservation strategy.
Sessions
October 2020 session in Cavalaire, France (Communauté de communes du Golfe de St Tropez)
Resources
- Cetacean manual for MPA managers, ACCOBAMS, SPA/RAC, MedPAN, 2013
Monitoring and conservation of marine turtles in Mediterranean MPAs
This module was developed in partnership with ALan Rees and Zakynthos National Marine Park in Greece.
Learning objective
- Provide trainees with basic knowledge of marine turtle ecology allowing them to better understand the issues related to their MPA.
- Provide trainees with practical skills to master cost-effective standard protocols providing answers to their management issues, while at the same time contributing to knowledge and conservation on a larger scale in an integrated and coordinated approach.
- Provide trainees with skills to identify effective management measures to address the various pressures and threats that marine turtles face in their MPA.
- Provide trainees with financing options to support the implementation of monitoring campaigns and management measures.
Training approach
The training is based on an operational approach aimed at providing trainees with sufficient background, expertise and experience to design and implement a marine turtle in-water monitoring and management strategy adapted to their needs and resources in an integrated global context. The training takes place over 4 days, including both classroom-based theory and practical exercises and field time with additional practical exercises.
Resource: Marine turtles in MPAs: a monitoring and management guide
Trainees profile
This highly operational training is intended for field staff of MPAs or organisations involved in the management of MPAs (field officer, technician or scientific officer), in charge of monitoring the marine environment and with concrete and short-term prospects for the implementation of a marine turtle conservation strategy.
Sessions
The first session of this module will take place as soon as the health situation allows. A presentation webinar of the Marine turtle monitoring and management guide was held in December 2020.
Resources
Business planning for Mediterranean MPAs
This module was developed in partnership with BlueSeed and Brijuni National Park in Croatia.
Learning objectives
The training will alternate short theoretical parts and long practical sessions in small groups supervised by the trainer. At the end of the training, trainees should be able to:
- Understand the main concepts of business planning for MPAs
- Autonomously use business planning tools
Training approach
The training alternates short theoretical parts and long practical sessions in small groups supervised by the trainer. The practical part of the training alternates working independently and in small groups, in order to allow MPAs to work on their own business plan while interacting with other managers. The practice includes 4 main sessions that address step by step the different components of the business plan and financing strategy:
- PRACTICAL SESSION N°1 – From measures to figures: aligning the financing approach with management objectives
- PRACTICAL SESSION N°2 – Cost analysis: how much do I need to implement my conservation activities in an effective and impactful manner?
- PRACTICAL SESSION N°3 – Revenue analysis: where do the funds to cover these costs come from now and in the future?
- PRACTICAL SESSION N°4 – Financing strategy: how do I optimize my budget and needs to reduce my financing gap?
Trainees profile
The training is intended for MPA managers and MPA financial managers of MPA management bodies, NGOs co-managing MPAs, and National or local administrations or agencies for MPAs. All MPAs, no matter their stage of development, can attend the training.
Sessions
The first training session of this module took place online early 2021.