Overview

The challenges of nature conservation have become far more complex, operating in chaotic systems with high stakes. This has made addressing the conservation challenges multi-dimensional in scale and scope. It is pertinent and imperative that practitioners are equipped and updated with the necessary skills and knowledge that are multi-disciplinary and at the cutting edge. To address these requirements, The Habitats Trust and Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence have launched a Conservation Practitioners’ course. This course will cover the fundamentals of ecology, social sciences, field methodologies, use of technology, data analysis, intervention design, project planning & implementation, monitoring & evaluation, and other skills required for carrying out effective conservation. This nine-month certificate course will be taught by some of India’s leading experts.

With the goal of supporting conservationists in upskilling, we have developed a curriculum that blends various skill sets and promotes interdisciplinary learning, grounded in both theory and real-world application, that can be imparted to any practitioner.

This course is designed in a way that practitioners can continue to work and be able to learn. Designed to enhance skills in study design, data management, and intervention strategies, it aims to empower practitioners with the tools needed to safeguard India’s rich biodiversity and natural ecosystems.

It features flexible learning options to accommodate existing commitments, along with various scholarships for enhanced accessibility.

Admissions open on Dec 16, 2024, and the last date to apply is Jan 19, 2025

Objectives

The Practitioners’ Course will upskill practitioners with the knowledge, skills, and tools required to address conservation issues using an interdisciplinary approach. The course has been thoughtfully developed and aims to be comprehensive and relevant to the current needs of conservation practitioners.

  • Comprehensive Knowledge Integration: Develop a foundational understanding of the social and natural sciences to support integrated conservation approaches. Gain a comprehensive understanding of ecological principles and their application in conservation. Build capacities in the linkages of conservation with economics, conservation psychology, and other disciplines of social sciences. Understand the institutions, laws, and policies that govern conservation efforts. Address the gap between academic theory and conservation practice.
  • Development of Technical and Practical Skills: Improve the technical abilities needed for efficient conservation practices, like understanding the tools and devices used for data collection, monitoring, and detection; gain expertise in managing, organising, and communicating projects effectively, and understand stakeholder involvement, proposal drafting, fundraising, and media relations.
  • Leadership & Personal Growth: Learn essential leadership qualities and personal skills for managing diverse conservation projects and teams. Be part of a supportive community where practitioners can exchange experiences, engage in mutual learning, and connect with experts and leaders in conservation and academia

Eligibility and Course Details

The ideal candidate for this course is a practising conservationist for a minimum of two years looking to enhance their skills in conservation with a full-time job. The cohort size is likely to be 20.

Duration Methodology Certification Eligibility
9 months, split into two terms starting from March 2025 Online classes:
Evening classes with 4-6 hours of teaching per week, conducted after 6 PM to accommodate working professionals. Bootcamps:
A two-week bootcamp, offering hands-on practical learning and opportunities to interact face-to-face with other professionals in the field.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from any stream. Applicants need to have more than two years of work experience in the conservation sector to be eligible for the course
Applicants are required to have working proficiency in English, as it will be the language of instruction for the course

Admission Process

  • 4th Week of December, 2024 to 3rd Week of January, 2025 – Submission of Application Forms
  • Final Week of January, 2025 – Selection of Applicants
  • 2nd and 3rd Week of February, 2025 – Interviews of Selected Applicants
  • 4th Week of February, 2025 – Announcement of Final Selection List
  • Final Week of February 2025 to 2nd Week of March, 2025– Admission and Fee Payment
  • 4th Week of March, 2025 – Course Launch