PAC Activity Update - February, 2021

PAC is focusing on developing new short courses relevant to protected area management, and area-based conservation more generally. The focus of these efforts is guided by findings of a recent feasibility study (see Publications page) that identified significant deficiencies in current training availability, and need for a more strategic and responsive approach to training. Short courses were found to be in high demand, with a blend of online and in-person training, adapted specifically to local contexts (much available training is more generic). PAC is now co-designing fit-for-purpose courses with a current focus on:

Leadership: Partnering with the Australia Rural Leadership Foundation to develop a leadership program that focuses on inclusive collaborative partnerships for whole-of-landscape management. Discussions are also being held with the Australian Land Conservation Alliance (ALCA) re their inclusion in the partnership. It is anticipated that this new 6-month program may be offered for delivery later in 2021, or in 2022.

Melanesia: Partnering with the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute in offering a capacity building program in Melanesia. Current scoping exercise is underway (Feb-March) to understand need, demand and funding opportunities.

Cross-cultural knowledge sharing: Short courses that build cultural awareness are being developed to address the need for effective and appropriate cross-cultural knowledge sharing in protected area management. The focus is on ethical and equitable weaving of Indigenous knowledge systems with western scientific approaches to conservation. Training packages are being scoped for a range of audiences, including field researchers (e.g. university researchers), member organisations of the Australian Land Conservation Alliance (ALCA), and state government environment agencies.

Alumni survey: We are surveying all of the participants who have undertaken training in the Conservation Standards through PAC member organisations over the past 5 years, to evaluate ongoing support needs.

- Rosalie Chapple, contact - info@palrc.com