Project title:

Applying Knowledge through Experience in Protecting the Environment”

Project number: UK/LLP-LdV/PLM/163150

Sending Partner: Tellus Group Ltd

Receiving partners and list of participants:

GREECE	ITALY
Amy Boaden	Adam Procter
Amy Traylor	Katie Main
Ben Harvey	Laura Barcroft
Gregor Neeve	Russel Goodchild
Kathryn Woodward	Thomas Davis
Kila Taylor
Nichola Street
Sarah Marjoram
Stephanie Walker
Charlotte Lay
Joanne Pollett
Rebecca Garrity
Richard Stanerdwick
David Coles
Rebecca Short

Dates of the project: 28 September 2008 – 27 February 2009

Duration:

22 weeks

Summary of the project:

In 2008/2009 Tellus Group Ltd conducted its first project as a sending organization. The project, Applying Knowledge through Experience in Protecting the Environment, was aimed at graduates of the University of Plymouth, who had finished their studies and were entering a competitive job market where work experience is very important.

Twenty participants went to Greece and Italy to get experience in environmental biology, marine biology, coastal ecology, marine and wildlife conservation, biodiversity conservation etc, on the islands of Ikaria and Samos in Greece and Sicily, Italy.

Main Aims of the project:

1. to obtain and develop practical skills to compliment theoretical knowledge
2. to support effective protection and conservation of special natural environments
3. to conduct scientific research on the marine and terrestrial environment as well as on the factors that threaten it.
4. to help in developing action in environmental awareness for the local communities and its implementation.

The

expected outcome

was to have the participants trained for their future employment not only here in England but also in other parts of the world where the conservation of special natural environments is of utmost , or even crucial importance, while also providing the participants with the opportunity to develop their skills and abilities.

Training Content:

Before departure the participants were given a preparatory course which included language and cultural training

In the work placements the training included:

1. field work on islands of the eastern Aegean Sea and Mediterranean Sea for student groups which provided an integrated approach to the understanding of natural ecosystems and their conservation which at the same time was combined of classroom sessions and laboratory work
2. collection of historical data through questionnaire-based surveys based on the local associations such as fishermen or national park conservators, in relation to the techniques and practices in use.
3. the assessment of the ecology. For example, that of shallow littoral ecosystems, which would be executed with the use of visual census techniques through snorkeling and scuba diving
4. sometimes the research activities and conservation actions required the use of a boat, which was provided by the host organisation (Archipelagos Institution) and was fully compatible to be used to carry out research even in difficult weather conditions
5. GIS analysis of marine and terrestrial biodiversity data with fields of activity in GIS analysis of data on the biodiversity of flora fauna of the marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Production of GIS maps
6. chemical Assessment of Environmental Impacts. This placement focused on chemical and microbiological analysis for scientific consultancy and control of anthropogenic pollution.