TRAINER overall objective was to develop a shared model to address VET training requirements in Ecological Restoration (ER). By evaluating the data collected from participating countries (Czechia, Germany, Norway, Spain, Europe) on knowledge production and consumption on ER, we wanted to agree on a set of recommendations that would be beneficial for all participating countries and different activity sectors. To achieve the overall objective, the following specific objectives were set. O1. Obtain a current profile of training needs in ecological restoration in the public, private and non-profit sectors. O2. Identify and characterise the different types of Demonstration Sites used for ER training. O3. Review and shape the profile of currently existing training programs in ER. O4. Detect existing pathways connecting training programs and career opportunities. O5. Create a community of practice among project participants to generate the synthesis, analysis and recommendations resulting from the TRAINER project. O6. Achieve adequate communication of the project process and results in the participating countries and with relevant stakeholders at the European level.
We applied for this project to identify training needs in Ecological Restoration (ER) in Europe, Czechia, Germany, Norway and Spain, with a special focus on training programs and materials in ER, and to contribute to establishing a network of professionals and demonstration sites across Europe, to promote on-site ER training activities. ER has a high recognition by international institutions, such as the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, and the EU Commission's proposal for a Nature restoration law within its European Biodiversity Strategy. This is due to the critical role of ER in protecting biodiversity, reversing degradation, mitigating climate change, and adapting to its outcomes. Despite this and the vast body of knowledge generated on ER, its practice has been advancing slowly over the last decade due to multiple barriers - including a lack of political will combined with inadequate finance, difficulties in communication between stakeholders and knowledge exchange issues. This Project has effectively addressed the needs of upscaling the practice of ER due to the environmental crises, better understand the barriers to knowledge exchange in ER and how to overcome them, and to promote training programs in ER in Europe.