This volunteer camp is particularly beneficial for participants interested in applied conservation, environmental risk management, restoration ecology, forestry & land management and sustainable land-use planning. A background in Environmental Science, Forestry or Civil protection is recommended but not mandatory.
Pre-requisites:
1. To apply for this programme, applicants must be enrolled as regular students at the participating institutions;
2. Participation in the programme is open to students from any field of study related to BIP-related content;
3. Students must demonstrate English language proficiency, at B2 level, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference
- Dates: June and July 2025
- Location: online and Mangualde, Viseu, Portugal
- Applications: until 16 May 2025
Contact:
Email: eunice@sc.ipv.pt
The course “Biodiversity and Risk Management” covers the following topics, among others:
- Biodiversity & European Policies and Concepts of Risk Management in
- Natural Ecosystems
- Civil Protection Structure and Organisation
- Wildfire Mitigation Strategies and Ecosystem Restoration
- The Role of Fungi in Ecosystems and Freshwater Ecosystem threats
- Invasive Woody Plant Species
- The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) invasion & Pollinator Conservation
- Impacts of biodiversity on viticulture
- Ecosystem conservation project
Teaching methods:
- Online classes: Distributed by all the partners involved in the course. The main aim of the online classes is to provide theoretical and conceptual content related to Biodiversity and Risk Management. These include lectures, slideshows, educational videos, and digital resources that address the concepts of biodiversity, the structure of civil protection organisations, and management techniques for main risks in Mediterranean ecosystems. Interactive activities will also
be incorporated to promote the active participation of students, allowing them to exchange ideas and perspectives on the ethical issues presented. It is also worth highlighting the fact that this online component allows flexible access to the content, making it easier for students with different schedules to participate. - Volunteering camp: participants will work on practical projects in collaboration with the Mangualde City Council, Seia City Council and other local entities, such as the Intermunicipal Community of Viseu Dão Lafões (CIM) and the District Civil Protection (ANEPC) addressing the major (biotic and abiotic) risks in Mediterranean ecosystems.
