From 15–16 April, 30 forest practitioners, researchers, and representatives from 12 European countries gathered in Binzen, Germany, for a very special two-day workshop – the first-ever “Train the Trainers” event on IBP, organised by the Integrate Network in collaboration with the EU Horizon TRANSFORMIT Project. We specifically invited a small group of participants to allow for a real hands-on and interactive experience.
On the morning of the 15th, Laurent Larrieu (INRAE) and Pauline Marty (CNPF – Centre national de la propriété forestière) gave us in-depth insights into the science and development of the tool and its ten key factors of biodiversity. In the afternoon, theory was brought to life. In the forest, participants reviewed what had been discussed with real stands and conditions.
Our second day started in a marteloscope in Kandern – participants were split into four groups to test their knowledge and conduct the IBP survey at the forest site. Laurent and Pauline provided hands-on support throughout the exercise, and the local forest manager joined to share the history and management of the forest we were standing in.
Rich Q&As, deep group discussions, and diverse reflections from various national contexts and forest types across Europe – all of these made the exchange valuable, not only with the two trainers but also between participants.
Over the past two days, various participants shared with us their perspectives on the IBP, why the tool is relevant to their local context, and how they are hoping to bring the knowledge from the training back to their colleagues and forests.
With their commitment to bring the knowledge and application of the “Index of Biodiversity Potential” home, we’re grateful for the success of this first iteration of an IBP “Train the Trainers” event!
Curious to know more about the IBP? Dive into the topic through EFI’s “What is” series and stay tuned for our upcoming articles regarding the IBP, its potential applications, and our IBP “Train the Trainers” participants’ reflections on our two days together.
Skip to PDF contentPhoto credits: Shanqing Gao & Rahel Könen, EFI