Discover the COGICO MOOC

Conservation and Management of Islands, Coasts and Oceans

To continue the ICO Solutions approach of sharing good practice in the conservation of islands, coasts and oceans, and to meet the commitment made in 2021 to provide better training for managers of these areas, in a multidisciplinary approach, the Conservatoire du littoral and the PIM Initiative have developed the COGICO MOOC, with the support of the Rhône Méditerranée Corse French Water Agency and the French Facility for the Global Environment.

By
Conservatoire du littoral

Do you work to manage and conserve a natural area anywhere in the world and wonder how to do it on a day-to-day basis? Would you like to learn more about the data needed to ensure effective site management? Have you identified a new invasive species and are unsure what type of action to take? Do you want to develop a new project or secure funding but don’t know where to start? Are you considering restricting cycling access to your site but unsure how to engage with cyclists?

This MOOC is for you!

Thanks to the teaching of experts and professionals in the field, this MOOC invites you to learn and progress in the management of coastal and insular natural areas. At the end of this course, you will be able to grasp all the components involved in managing a natural area, and to understand and implement relevant actions to ensure the long-term preservation of the site, its heritage and its resources.

You will gradually work your way through the 8 main modules required to implement sustainable and effective management of coastal and island areas:

Module 1: Implementing operational co-management and shared governance in natural areas

At the end of this module, you will be able to understand what “shared governance” and “operational co-management” are: the links between these two levels of management, and their differences. You will also learn how to implement these processes, distribute your management actions in a coherent, effective and efficient way, and address implementation challenges.

Module 2: Managing knowledge in your natural environment

At the end of this module, you will have an overview of all the parameters required for sound integrated and sustainable management of your site. You will understand the methods for collecting, storing, analysing, and using your data, according to its intended uses, as well as management objectives and needs.

Module 3: Welcoming the public and managing visitor numbers in your natural area

At the end of this module, you will understand the issues related to visitor use of your natural area, as well as the range of possible actions to implement depending on site characteristics: infrastructure development, signage, on-site interpretation, monitoring, and regulations. You will be able to produce a site assessment in relation to these issues and develop a visitor management strategy.

Module 4: Managing communication for your natural area

At the end of this module, you will have the key understanding and skills needed to implement effective off-site communication. You will be able to identify target audiences, communication channels, and dissemination methods, as well as design coherent and effective messages. You will also be made aware of and trained in implementing an advocacy communication strategy, as well as supporting behavioural change practices.

Module 5: Designing and managing ecological restoration operations

At the end of this module, you will understand the main challenges, objectives, and benefits of terrestrial and marine ecological restoration. You will be provided with a working methodology to define your ecological restoration strategy, as well as practical information on currently effective practices and those still under experimentation.

Module 6: Hosting sustainable economic activities in your natural area

At the end of this module, you will be made aware of the challenges of sustainable economic development in a territory, particularly regarding activities that can take place in natural areas. You will understand the main issues related to key economic sectors, existing best practices, and guidance on how to implement them. You will also gain the tools to engage and raise awareness among economic stakeholders in order to promote changes in practices.

Module 7: Drawing up a management document

At the end of this module, you will be able to draft a well-informed, coherent, and feasible management plan for your natural area. You will also be able to evaluate this management plan and understand the importance of sound upstream and downstream analysis of the site, the plan, and the management actions implemented on the site.

Module 8: Designing and managing a project

At the end of this module, you will be able to manage all stages of project management: identifying potential funding sources, analysing calls for proposals, and designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating your project.

You will have access to a variety of training materials (practical guides, video testimonials from experts and field officers from different countries) and will be able to talk directly to our experts during Question & Answer webinars.

Designed for young French-speaking environmental professionals working internationally (government departments, local authorities, associations, etc.), the COGICO course is also open to anyone wishing to learn more and gain a better understanding of the issues involved in conserving islands, coasts and oceans. There are no specific prerequisites for taking this course. It is free and open to all.

AND THEN?

What about reinforcing the skills you’ve acquired during this course directly in the field? The most motivated and hard-working learners will have the chance to come face to face, on the field during a practical session organised in France in the spring of 2025… Register for the COGICO MOOC and join the community and find out more soon!

To find out more, contact us at the following address: