Community Environmental Leadership

Many people are now interested indeveloping some sort of environmental project in their local area. In some cases this is to target some specific problem or area which would benefit from enhancement. In other cases environmental work is a part of a wider community based project which embraces other themes and objectives.

For whatever reason the project is being developed there are some basic skills and principles which are necessary if an environmental project is being undertaken. Some skills are based around environmental knowledge which is essential to ensure the project does not degrade the local environment through ignorance. Health and safety is the most important aspect of all as injuries to participants are a possibility if the project is not properly planned and supervised.

There is also a range of people skills needed to organise volunteers and explain the project to others.

To try and address these various issues, Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland runs a four module course to cover all these aspects. The style of the event is participative and geared to the individual needs of the participants. Where possible projects which the participants are involved in will be used as case studies and examples for visits and practical exercises.

The four modules are listed below:

Module 1 - Community

This will include defining community, ways of working with the community, Local Agenda 21, conflict resolution, capacity building, and looking at community development through both the environment and other means.

Module 2 - Communication and Leadership

Basic public speaking and presentation skills relevant to a public meeting or perhaps a guided walk. Roles and responsibilities of a leader, leading groups.

Module 3 - Environmental Knowledge

Basic understanding of the environment including habitats, reasons for managing the environment, environmental good practice and identification of common species.

Module 4 - Practical Skills

This would cover the basic skills needed to undertake simple practical work related to environmental improvements. Basic health and safety and risk assessment of a site will be covered along with the basic skills to use tools in projects such as cutting back undergrowth or planting trees.

Module 5 - Community Business Development

This will include a review of community business models, the social economy, funding and fundraising, business sustainability. Case studies will include examples relevant to the environment such as recycling, tourism and environmental management projects.

Accreditation

The course is accredited by the Northern Ireland Open College Network (NIOCN). Accreditation is based on participation in the training and then completing an assignment based on a project the participant is directly involved with.

Availability and Prior Knowledge Requirements for Community Environmental Leadership

While there is no specific requirements, participants need to be involved in a community group or project, which has an environmental interest to enable them to make best use of the course and to achieve accreditation.

The course is run periodically and is advertised in advance.