PROJECT ACTIONS

Specifically, the LIFE TraiN2K project will carry out the following actions:

• develop training programmes aimed at creating Natura 2000 professionals with three distinct job profiles: Natura2000 Coaches, Eco-Restorers and Natura2000 Rangers
• create a training system comprising specific and cross-cutting training modules based on face-to-face and e-learning sessions
• design and implement a dedicated online training platform, aimed at harmonising and archiving the aforementioned training modules and best practices in Natura 2000 management. This platform will also include a support service for Natura 2000 stakeholders, providing documents, guidelines, information and contacts for trainers, with a view to overcoming existing administrative and technical obstacles in the management of Natura 2000. Finally, the platform and specific training modules will also be available to the general public, subject to registration.
  formally
• certify new Natura2000 professionals
• establish an international second-level Master’s degree in ‘Natura2000 Expert’, aimed at professionalising the roles involved in the management of Natura2000 sites
• develop a communication system designed to encourage the involvement of stakeholders in the management and planning processes of Natura2000 sites

BENEFICIARIES and PARTNERS

The training system developed by TraiN2K and the project activities will be aimed at the various stakeholders involved in the conservation of Natura2000 sites:

• private or public site owners,
• public institutions responsible for managing Natura2000 sites,
• authorities responsible for implementing EU environmental directives,
• research institutes tasked with monitoring protected habitats and species, and authorities and organised bodies dedicated to surveillance and law enforcement.

The training will be delivered taking into account the different biogeographical regions and the diversity of habitats and protected species across Europe.

The project proposal will benefit from the following resources, coordinated and managed by the various project partners [link to About Us]:

• the community formed by the project partnership (9 beneficiaries/associated partners, 4 countries), 7 institutions/networks supporting the project and the established network of land conservation professionals, EUROSITE);
• a European training institute to be physically based in Italy, utilising an existing facility dedicated to international courses and managed by the Carabinieri;
• a digital platform for archiving and accessing training modules, case studies and best practices;
• a second-level Master’s degree in ‘Natura2000 Expert’; a detailed strategy for extending the project’s results to participating countries, with a view to disseminating these results across the EU.

PHASES and PROGRESS

1. Project management and monitoring
2. Preparation of training infrastructure and tools
3. Preparation of training activities for Natura 2000 professionals
4. Recruitment of trainees for the Natura 2000 Training Programme
5. Training activities
6. Extension of the training system to all EU countries
7. Communication and dissemination of project results

LIFE PROGRAMME – EU

The LIFE Programme is the European Union’s financial instrument which, since 1992, has promoted the implementation and development of environmental and climate legislation through the co-financing of projects proposed by public and private bodies.

For the 2021–2027 programming cycle, LIFE has a budget of €5.4 billion, playing a key role in supporting the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and commitments to climate neutrality. In this context, the LIFE TraiN2K project is a strategic initiative in the field of training and strengthening professional skills to improve the effectiveness of environmental management.

The programme is divided into four sub-programmes:

• Nature and Biodiversity (NAT);
• Circular Economy and Quality of Life (ENV);
• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation (CCM and CCA);
• Clean Energy Transition (CET).

For further information, to consult the databases and view current calls for proposals, please visit the official LIFE Programme website.

NATURA2000 NETWORK

The Natura 2000 network is the main European instrument for nature protection and biodiversity conservation. It is a complex ecological network, established under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC), which ensures the protection of rare habitats and threatened animal and plant species.

Unlike traditional nature reserves, Natura 2000 promotes a model of sustainable coexistence, where the protection of natural heritage is integrated with human activities and the local economy. The TraiN2K project was created precisely to address the management challenges of this vast network, training new professionals such as Natura 2000 Coaches, Eco-Restorers and Natura 2000 Rangers.

The Natura 2000 Network in Europe today:

• it involves the 27 Member States of the European Union;
• it covers approximately 18% of the EU’s land area and a large portion of its marine territory;
• it protects 233 habitat types, over 540 bird species and around 1,390 other animal and plant species.

To find out more about the Network and discover the protected sites, visit the official Natura 2000 Network portal.