Introduction
In light of growing threats to biodiversity and other ecosystem services from habitat degradation and fragmentation, ecological connectivity is increasingly cited to promote conservation and sustainable development across both intact and human-dominated systems.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted in December 2022, includes numerous provisions for maintaining, enhancing, and restoring ecological connectivity, as do countless other policy mandates.
Increasingly, conservation practitioners are seeking to understand and apply the best practices for connectivity conservation in their home landscapes.
Now, the Wildlife Connect Initiative – a partnership of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Center for Large Landscape Conservation (CLLC), IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas – Connectivity Conservation Specialist Group (CCSG), and Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), are pleased to offer Connectivity101, a free, self-paced course designed with UNDP’s Learning for Nature to bring connectivity conservation to you wherever you are.
Skills you will gain
About the course
Connectivity 101 teaches the basics of ecological connectivity conservation. The course will present general and replicable best practices for connectivity conservation and context-sensitive case studies worldwide. The course will focus on an audience of conservation practitioners but will also be accessible to a general audience. A certificate will be awarded to those who complete the course. Currently, the course is offered in English. Translations to other UN languages may be available in the future.
What you will learn
- Define ecological connectivity and explain its importance for nature and people
- Explain approaches to and principles of connectivity conservation and restoration
- Understand how stakeholder participation and inclusive collaboration are critical for connectivity conservation
- Place ecological connectivity in the context of large-scale initiatives and agreements
- Understand the steps and activities involved in developing a connectivity plan or project, especially for planning, implementing, managing, and monitoring ecological corridors and networks.
- Feel inspired by real-world examples of ecological connectivity conservation and restoration
- Define ecological connectivity and explain its importance for nature and people
- Explain approaches to and principles of connectivity conservation and restoration
- Understand how stakeholder participation and inclusive collaboration are critical for connectivity conservation
- Place ecological connectivity in the context of large-scale initiatives and agreements
- Understand the steps and activities involved in developing a connectivity plan or project, especially for planning, implementing, managing, and monitoring ecological corridors and networks.
- Feel inspired by real-world examples of ecological connectivity conservation and restoration
Completion requirements
- Complete all online lessons
- Complete the course survey
- Pass five quizzes
- Complete all online lessons
- Pass five quizzes
- Complete the course survey
Course modules
Discussion forum 1 activity
Module 1: Introduction to Ecological Connectivity 4 activities, 1 quiz
Module 2: Social Aspects of Connectivity 2 activities, 1 quiz
Module 3: Connectivity Modelling and Its Role in Spatial Planning 1 activity, 1 quiz
Module 4: Protecting, Managing and Restoring Ecological Corridors 5 activities, 1 quiz
Module 5: Ecological Connectivity in the Context of Sustainable Development 2 activities, 1 quiz
FAQs
1. What is Wildlife Connect?
Wildlife Connect is a joint initiative between World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Center for Large Landscape Conservation (CLLC), IUCN WCPA Connectivity Conservation Specialist Group, and Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) that aims to maintain or increase ecological connectivity of landscapes, ensuring viable wildlife populations, ecosystem services, resilience to climate change, and human well-being.
2. Do I need any qualifications to enroll in this course?
No. This course is designed primarily for conservation practitioners but is open to anyone.
3. What are the technical requirements to enroll in this course?
Participants should be able to access the internet, even if only periodically, in order to access the course materials and complete the course requirements.
4. What are the technical requirements to enroll in this course?
To receive the certificate of course completion, participants must complete five modules, pass five quizzes and complete the course survey. These are the ONLY requirements to receive the certificate.
5. Are there any system requirements for accessing course content?
Although the course content is accessible through most web browsers, we recommend Google Chrome for optimal user experience.
6. How do I receive my course completion certificate when I complete the course?
Once you complete the course requirements, the certificate of course completion will be generated automatically and will become available for download in PDF format directly from the course home page. To download the certificate, you will need to click the “Download my certificate” button next to the “Course content” section in the course home page.
7. How can I get in touch with the course organizers?
For any questions about the course, please contact Learning for Nature at info@learningfornature.org. For questions about Wildlife Connect, please contact rantelo@wwfbolivia.org.