Call for applicants: European TraiN2K training system on Natura 2000

The Natura 2000 Training System was created to train the next generation of Natura 2000 professionals involved the management, conservation, restoration and surveillance of Natura 2000 sites and other protected areas across Europe.

The programme includes in-presence lessons, e-learning modules and on-field training. All training costs for participants are covered by the LIFE TraiN2K project, except the participation costs (e.g. travel, food and accomodation) for the proposed optional on-field trainings that will take place after the core training programme sessions.

In order to create competent Natura 2000 experts, the project developed three different technical curricula:
– Management curriculum, focused on protected area management and the implementation of EU environmental directives
– Restoration curriculum, focused on designing and implement ecological restoration actions
– Surveillance curriculum, focused on surveillance and enforcement of protected areas

In addition to these technical curricula, all participants are required to attend a cross-cutting Soft Skills curriculum (based on the UNECE ESD Strategy 2012 and the European GreenComp 2022 framework) which will enable each trainee to develop key expertise in communication, planning, coordination and conflict resolution. The combination of each of the three technical curricula together with lessons on soft skills will complete the trainin of the following professional profiles:
– Natura 2000 Coaches (Management + Soft skills): essential skills for site managers
– Eco-Restorers (Restoration + Soft skills): essential skills to design and implement environmental restoration projects, contributing to ecosystem conservation
– Natura 2000 Rangers (Surveillance + Soft skills): essential skills for monitoring and surveillance of protected areas, particularly in the Natura 2000 network.

The call for applicants and selection timeline will be the following:
– Applications opening: 20th July 2026
– Deadline for applications: 30th September 2026
– Final selection & publication of trainees list: November 2026
– Onboarding starts: December 2026

More information at: https://train2kplatform.rgpbio.it/n2k-training-programme-e-learning-en/