This initiative is part of the training programme for public administrations that we have launched in the LIFE INTEMARES project

Today we have started the summer course we are giving on the protection of the marine environment aimed at the team of the General Directorate of the Coast and the Sea of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge.

This initiative is part of the training programme for public administrations that we have launched in the LIFE INTEMARES project, which we coordinate.

The welcome session, which was held virtually, was attended by the Director General of Biodiversity, Forests and Desertification, Jorge Marquínez, who highlighted the close collaboration between both general directorates and the common objectives to strengthen the protection of the sea from the commitment, dedication, professionalism and enthusiasm of the teams that make them up.  During this session, Marquínez was accompanied by Itziar Martín, Deputy Director for the Protection of the Sea and Ainhoa Pérez, Deputy Director General of Maritime-Terrestrial Public Domain, both from the Directorate General of the Coast and the Sea.  

This training aims to provide participants with information and tools that contribute to updating and expanding their knowledge on protected marine species and habitats, the Natura 2000 Network, the effective management of protected areas, while promoting the exchange of experiences and learning.

So far, 100 professionals have enrolled in this summer course taught by specialists. From July 20 to September 15 they will be able to follow the training through audiovisual didactic pills, although this first and last session will be broadcast live to encourage greater interaction between participants.

The importance of training

The course is part of the actions defined in the training strategy of the LIFE INTEMARES project, which lays the foundations for training and training the main users and managers of the marine Natura 2000 Network. Its preparation has had the involvement of 290 people through a participatory process.

In its implementation, 15 training sessions have already been held for public administrations on the management of the Natura 2000 Network and marine biodiversity aimed at the Civil Guard and the Navy, which has had more than 1,800 participants. This action has been carried out thanks to the lines of collaboration established with the Ministries of the Interior and Defence.

Effective management of protected areas

This action is part of the LIFE INTEMARES project, which advances towards a better knowledge of marine protected areas, with the aim of achieving effective management of the marine spaces of the Natura 2000 Network.

The Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge coordinates this integrated project, in which the Ministry’s Directorate-General for Biodiversity, Forests and Desertification, IEO, CEPESCA, SEO/BirdLife and WWF-Spain participate as partners. It has the financial contribution of the European Union’s LIFE programme, among other sources of funding.