Training GreenWire: IEEM launches new Masterclass series to address ecological skills gap

The research, commissioned by the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) questioned over a 1000 respondents from across the sector including ecologists and environmental management professionals in Government statutory agencies, local authorities, NGOs, academia and ecological consultancies.

The findings reveal that while many core areas of knowledge and skills are covered by existing higher education courses and continuing professional development, there are urgent gaps that need to be addressed in terms of specialist knowledge and expertise. One such gap is in the application of legislation surrounding European Protected Species – a key component of the strategy to halt biodiversity loss and achieve globally adopted 2020 biodiversity protection targets. To tackle this issue the IEEM has recently launched a series of Masterclasses in understanding and applying European Protected Species Legislation aimed at consultants, businesses and local planning authorities.

Launching the initiative Sally Hayns, ceo of IEEM comments: "We are at a watershed for nature conservation in the UK. The United Nation’s 2020 biodiversity targets calls for renewed determination and we must not allow the current impetus, which is being underpinned by new Government policies and legislation, to be compromised by a shortage of vital specialist knowledge and skills. IEEM is taking a lead in ensuring that the profession and those responsible for halting biodiversity loss have the knowledge and skills to perform their roles effectively.".

Further details on the Masterclasses and the full research report 'Ecological Skills: Shaping the profession for the 21st century’ can be downloaded from www.ieem.net.