Professionals urgently needed for nature conservation management

Highly qualified knowledge workers for the conservation areas of the future: Master's programme “Management of Conservation Areas”

“Nature conservation needs professional capacities.” Dr Andrej Sovinc of the World Commission on Protected Areas (IUCN/WCPA), on the occasion of the European Day of Parks on 24 May, reminds of the importance of training and qualification. “The area of protected areas, i.e. national parks, biosphere reserves or world heritage sites on earth has increased exponentially,” says Sovinc. Considering that, the corresponding management capacities would have to be built up. “This is a major task that will take until the middle of the century. For well-trained experts this offers exciting and forward-looking career opportunities. Professionals are being sought after all over the world.”

“With the master’s degree in Management of Conservation Areas (MCA) and the European Parks Academy (EPA) there are two training formats of international importance in Austria,” explains Andrej Sovinc. The Master's programme Management of Conservation Areas is offered at the Carinthian University of Applied Sciences. The academic training is intended to put an end to an era of learning by doing: “We need systematic vocational training that is theoretically sound and practical,” says Sovinc. The Master's programme can be attended part-time and is aimed at young professionals who would like to make a career in international organisations, protected areas and ministries. The training is designed by renowned international teachers, leading scientists and experienced practitioners. Students and lecturers have developed a large international network that can provide a wide range of support for their careers. 

The next round of the master’s programme Management of Conservation Areas begins in October, the application period ends in June. Further information can be found at: https://e-c-o.at/trainings-en.html. “Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or require further information,” says Susanne Glatz-Jorde, coordinator of the programme (glatz-jorde@e-c-o.at).

Facts:

  • Academic Title: Master of Science (MSc)
  • Period: 4 semesters, beginning October 2019
  • Extent: 120 ECTS, 64 attendance days, part-time in eight modules
  • Location: Klagenfurt and various conservation areas in Central Europe
  • Maximum number of participants: 22

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