Nature benefits: from theory to practice

Through this project, we aimed to equip nature and site managers—both professionals and volunteers—with essential knowledge and practical skills gathered from years of research and expertise from ...

Through this project, we aimed to equip nature and site managers—both professionals and volunteers—with essential knowledge and practical skills gathered from years of research and expertise from educational institutions, NGOs, and other organizations. By transferring this knowledge, we sought to enhance their ability to protect, restore, and manage natural areas effectively while ensuring these ecosystems provide lasting benefits to society. Strengthening their competences enables better decision-making, improved management planning, and access to new funding opportunities. Ultimately, our goal was to bridge the gap between theory and practice, empowering participants to integrate Ecosystem Services into their work and amplify conservation efforts at local and regional levels for the long-term well-being of both nature and communities. The main aim of the project was thus twofold: 1. to develop a training course that would enhance participants' understanding of ecosystem services and nature’s benefits; 2. to empower the experts to apply this knowledge directly in their daily practice.

Definition of learning objectives, the profiles of the students, detailed strucure, form and content of the course, including the development of a course guide, programme, assignments and supporting course materials and content overview To create a course tailored to participants' needs and interests, we have developed a pre-course survey and post-course evaluation questionnaires for all three modules as well as the entire course. Adaptation, improvement of the TUNE IT English course into four national courses in Belgium and The Netherland, Croatia, Turkey and Ukraine. The course was also offered in four national languages to enhance accessibility and relevance. This approach ensured that regional-level professionals, who are accustomed to working in their native language, could fully engage with the content. Adjustment and tuning to usability after the project to enhance usability. The Handbook produced reflects on this process and makes available the revised course materials, that incorporate user feedback, and optimized content delivery to ensure long-term relevance and accessibility for participants. Development of project website, videos about the course and the concept Nature Benefits. Development of Practitioners Brief.

We have developed, organized, and delivered five TUNE IT (Nature Benefits: From Theory to Practice) courses in five languages (English, Croatian, Dutch, Turkish, Ukraininan). More than 180 experts have been trained by over 40 trainers and lecturers. Additionally, 66 organizations were involved, contributing by sending participants, supporting the course organization, and aiding in content development.