The DBU Project -E-Learning Course „Natura 2000 Manager"

The project "e-learning course 'Natura 2000 manager' - part-time further education for the implementation of Natura 2000" was funded by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) and the Thuringian Ministry of the Environment, Energy, and Nature Conservation (TMUEN) from July 2021 to June 2024.

The aim of the project is to establish a nationwide course for part-time further education in the field of Natura 2000 to address the acute shortage of skilled professionals in this area. The course is designed to enable participants to undertake the complex role of Natura 2000 managers. This includes efficiently planning relevant measures and implementing them for the greatest benefit to European natural heritage. The course offers specialized content necessary for effective Natura 2000 management. The curriculum is as comprehensive as the range of activities within the Natura 2000 management. There is a significant demand from employers for trained professionals, as well as a strong interest in further education from employees. The target audience for the course includes all stakeholders actively involved in the implementation of Natura 2000 – from site supervisors at Natura 2000 stations and authorities to planning offices, associations, and students from relevant fields of study.

As part of the project, a course and an expert network were established, followed by a pilot run and an official course that were both conducted and evaluated. The project kicked off on August 5, 2021, in collaboration with project partners and the Thuringian Ministry of the Environment. It successfully concluded on June 30, 2024.

The course is being implemented by BUND Thuringia in collaboration with project partners, including the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt (FH Erfurt), the German Association for Landscape Care (Deutscher Landschaftpflegeverband) and NABU Thuringia.

Continuation After the Project Ends

The "Natura 2000 management" course will continue after the project's conclusion, funded through participation fees. A new course will commence each November, with registration opening in the spring/summer via the website (German version).

Virtual Reality and Digital Formats

Digital formats have proven effective in other fields for knowledge transfer and are valuable tools for learning in nature conservation as well. We aim to further develop and utilize this potential.

360° Panoramas in Virtual Reality
92 habitat types of particular importance to Germany can be explored in virtual reality, along with their characteristic species. Using a VR headset, participants can experience these habitats in 3D, allowing for location- and time-independent exploration of various ecosystems. Alpine regions can be explored from the coast and vice versa. The integration of VR for teaching habitat types does not replace field excursions but complements the educational offerings. 
Zu den 360-Grad-Panoramen

Short Films on Renaturation
Three short films showcase the restoration of dry grasslands and running waters, as well as the necessary measures. Additionally, one short film presents reintroduction projects.

Partner and Team

BUND Thuringia is implementing the DBU project in collaboration with partners NABU Thuringia, the German Association for Landscape Care (Deutscher Verband für Landschaftspflege), and the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt (Fachhochschule Erfurt). The project coordination is led by Katinka Sauer (BUND Thuringia) and Prof. Dr. Stefan Brunzel (BUND Thuringia, FH Erfurt). Overall coordination is overseen by the state manager of BUND Thuringia, Sebastian König.

Projekt Coordinator Katinka Sauer and Prof. Dr. Stefan Brunzel