Line of action:

Knowledge generation and management

Status:

En ejecución

Execution date:

2022

End date:

2026

The Training Plan for the marine Natura 2000 Network contributes to achieving a more effective management of marine protected areas through the design and implementation of a training plan that responds to the programmes and objectives set out in the Training Strategy of the LIFE INTEMARES project. In addition, through these actions, support is also given to the LIFE A-MAR and LIFE ECOREST projects. in which the Biodiversity Foundation participates as a partner.

Specific objectives:

• To ensure the long-term development of the Priority Action Framework (MAP) for the financing of the Natura 2000 Network in Spain, through the training of technical staff of the Administration, among other recipients.
• To encourage the recipients to have adequate knowledge on the conservation and/or management of the marine habitats and species of the Natura 2000 Network.
• Improve training and capacity building for the monitoring and surveillance of marine protected areas, especially the Natura 2000 Network.
• To raise awareness of the marine Natura 2000 Network as an instrument of conservation among a diversity of audiences so that they understand the importance of supporting the conservation of the sea and its resources and that more and more people get involved in conservation.
• Ensure the availability of quality training resources, aimed at the sustainable management of the Natura 2000 Network in marine areas and facilitating permanent training during the life of the project and once it has ended.

The training plan of the marine Natura 2000 Network carries out training actions aimed on the one hand at managers of the marine Natura 2000 Network and on the other hand, at different users, such as teachers or companies dedicated to activities related to the sea; for example, whale watching.

1. Training plan aimed at managers of the marine Natura 2000 Network

Contents:

• Regulations and legislation applicable to the marine Natura 2000 Network
• Raising awareness and highlighting the socio-economic benefits of the Natura 2000 Network.
• Conservation: knowledge of species and habitats, impacts, collisions with cetaceans, underwater noise, habitats of community interest and maritime traffic.
• Surveillance and follow-up. Fight against marine pollution.
• Application of techniques and tools that promote collaborative work and governance to generate a climate of alliances and cooperation through the creation of synergies between groups. Training in the operation of marine stewardship networks and successful cases.

 

Recipients:

1. Staff of Public Administrations competent in the application of the MAP and the management of the marine Natura 2000 Network.
2. Personnel with competences in the monitoring and surveillance of the EMPS (AMAS, SEMAR, SEPRONA, SASEMAR, among others).
3. Legislators, judges and prosecutors.
4. Other users or operators related to the management of marine resources such as conservation-oriented NGOs, tour operators or environmental consultancies.

 

2. Training plan aimed at other users of the marine Natura 2000 Network

Contents:

• Raising awareness and highlighting of the benefits of the Natura 2000 Network, its ecosystem services and the relationship with the well-being and health of all.
• Principles and elements necessary for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in schools, related to the marine Natura 2000 Network, through the programming of actions and awareness campaigns.
• Design of self-guided and guided interpretive itineraries adapted to the marine Natura 2000 Network and applicable regulations.

 

Recipients:

• Teachers of university and non-university education.
• Educational and environmental dissemination and volunteering centres.
• Staff of Public Administrations competent in educational matters.
• Companies or workers engaged in marine activities (shellfish and fishing sector, diving schools, among others).

To date, a total of 70 trainings have been carried out in which approximately 2000 people have participated. Of these trainings, 37 have been aimed at managers of the marine Natura 2000 Network.

The two courses carried out for the identification and recognition of vulnerable marine species stand out. Both courses have been aimed at the Environmental Agents (AMAS) and the technical staff of the General Subdirectorate of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity of the MITECO of all marine demarcations, as well as the personnel of the Maritime Service of the Civil Guard and SEPRONA.

Various training courses on regulations and legislation in the Natura 2000 Network are also relevant aimed at the State Security forces (the Navy, the Maritime Service of the Civil Guard and SEPRONA), as well as other tour operators, such as recreational whale watching entities for their involvement in achieving more sustainable tourism. Specific training has also been offered to the Attorney General’s Office and to the prosecutors of the different Units with competence in the Environment.

Training for other users

To date, a total of 34 trainings have been carried out aimed at other users of marine protected areas, in which more than 1000 people have participated. It is worth highlighting the training aimed at the fishing and shellfishing sector to highlight their activities in marine protected areas, the training for the educational community (teachers, environmental educators and students of different educational stages) or the training aimed at tour operators, among others.