A Pandoteira project representative, from the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, participated recently in the “Tools for managers of Natura 2000 marine areas” learning programme of the European Nature Academy of the LIFE ENABLE project.
The learning programme began on September 12, 2023 and was completed on October 13, 2023. This specific learning programme included 4 online meetings/modules, as well as a four-day face-to-face training. The face-to-face training was hosted at Maison de la Mer, the training center of the Agathoise Coast Marine Protected Area, in France.
The specific learning programme was addressed to managers and professionals of Marine Protected Areas, especially those of the Natura 2000 Network. The aim of the programme was to develop the professional skills of these individuals, regarding the conservation of marine biodiversity and the protection of the marine ecosystem.
Gains
Through our participation in the programme, we learned about the most effective ways of managing the marine areas of the Natura 2000 network and the biodiversity therein. We also had the opportunity to network with Stakeholders and Organisations dealing with the marine environment and to exchange ideas, experiences and best practices.
The training included:
- Ways to create marine protected areas to achieve specific goals.
- Development of effective management plans for marine protected areas.
- Monitoring and evaluation of measures to improve management efficiency.
- Basic principles of enforcement and compliance.
Through an almost personalised training, we were able to develop our professional skills in the management of marine protected areas. We exchanged knowledge, experiences and ideas with all the participants, as well as with the trainers and the local management team of the marine protected area in France. At the same time, we identified common problems and challenges, as well as practical solutions in the management of marine protected areas.
In addition, we gained a better picture of the situation and management of the marine areas of the Natura 2000 Network in the rest of the European countries. Lastly, the connections we created with Stakeholders and Organisations will be very useful to us in the future.
