Wildlife Conservation and Management in Europe - BIP

Background of Summer School / Introduction

Hosted by Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), this Blended Intensive Programme offers an immersive introduction to biodiversity conservation in Europe through a mix of online preparation and intensive field-based learning in Poland’s national and regional parks. Taking place 6–10 July 2026 and designed for a small, international group of 18 participants, the Summer School combines EU policy, ecological foundations, and hands-on monitoring methods with real conservation case studies from ongoing LIFE and Natura 2000 projects.

During the online component (6h), students explore European conservation frameworks (Birds and Habitats Directives, Natura 2000, LIFE Programme), invasive alien species, and ethical aspects of working with wildlife, while sharing examples of conservation successes and challenges from their home countries. The on-site programme (24h) includes guided field excursions focused on amphibians, reptiles, birds, and endangered mammals (such as European bison, bats, and otters), as well as conflict species (e.g., wolf, beaver, cormorant). Participants practice professional methods including transects, camera trapping, GIS tools, and biodiversity data collection.

A key element of the course is collaborative teamwork: based on the knowledge gained, students develop a species or habitat management plan using a fictional AI-generated scenario, and present it to the full group for discussion with peers and instructors. By the end of the programme, students will be able to identify major threats to European biodiversity, understand EU conservation strategies, apply monitoring methods, communicate scientific knowledge to non-specialist audiences, and engage ethically and effectively in multicultural conservation initiatives.

Hosting University

Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW)

Venue

Poland, national and regional parks.

Date

July 6 - July 10, 2026. 

Participants

18

Previous Knowledge

Basics of zoology and ecology.

Course Content

Online (6h): Introduction to conservation in Europe, EU legal frameworks, invasive alien species, ethical aspects of work with animals, preparation for fieldwork. Students work in groups to present examples from their countries – with ups and downs of specific actions.

On-site (24h): Field excursion (amphibians, reptiles, birds), endangered mammal conservation (e.g., European bison, bats, otter), conflict species (wolf, beaver, cormorant), practical data collection (transects, camera traps, GIS), final group presentations.

Field classes will take place in Poland, in chosen national or regional park, State Forest area or an area where conservation projects are conducted.

On the base on gained knowledge, students will prepare (team work) the management plan for the species or habitat (fictional scenario, generated and described by AI). The plan will be presented in front of the whole group and discussed by students and teachers.

Intended Learning Outcome (ILO)

Knowledge students will be able to:
• Identify major threats to European wildlife and biodiversity.
• Understand EU conservation policies and strategies (Birds Directive, Habitats Directive, Natura 2000, LIFE Programme).
• Explain ecological and ethical foundations of biodiversity management.

Skills students will be able to:
• Apply standard monitoring methods for species and habitats.
• Analyse case studies of conservation practices.
• Collaborate in multicultural teams.

Competences - students will be able to:
• Communicate scientific knowledge to non-specialist audiences.
• Demonstrate ethical awareness in conservation.
• Engage in collaborative European initiatives.

Course Schedule

Program:
Online lectures and seminars – June 2026

On spot:
6th of July Monday
WULS campus Warsaw
9:00 registration of participants - WULS campus Warsaw
10:00 Welcome session – introduction to BIP activities
12:00 lunch
13:00 bus transfer to Kampinoski National Park
14:00 Field trip presenting activities and results of the project “Protection and restoration of wetlands in “Puszcza Kampinoska” Natura 2000 site (LIFE 19/NAT/PL/000746)” – conservation of wetlands invertebrates: Leucorrhinia pectoralis, Maculinea teleius, Lycaena dispar, Graphoferus bilineatus, Vertigo angustior, Vertigo moulinsiana, Anisus vorticulus, and verterbrates: great crested newt, fire-bellied toad. Management of populations of invasive plant and animals species.
20:00 come back to WULS campus

7th of July Tuesday
9:00 bus transfer to Mazowiecki Landscape Park
10:00 Field trip “Active conservation of native fish, amphibians, birds and bats”
12:00 outdoor lunch
13:00 Field trip “Active conservation of native fish, amphibians, birds and bats” part 2
17:00 Campfire dinner with summary of the day discussion
20:00 come back to WULS campus

8th of July Wednesday
8:00 bus transfer to The Complex of Świętokrzyskie and Nadnidzie Landscape Parks - Nature Education Center in Umianowice
12:00 lunch
13:00 visit to Education Center facilities, field walks and sightseeing of the natural and cultural sites of the area
18:00 dinner with summary of the day discussion

9th of July Thursday
9:00 Field trip presenting activities and results of the project “Life4Delta – Renaturalisation of inland delta of the river Nida” – conservation and management of hick shelled river mussel, lesser ramshorn snail, Desmoulin’s whorl snail, fire-bellied toad, crested newt and European pond turtle.
12:00 outdoor lunch
18:00 Campfire dinner with summary of the day discussion

10th of July – Friday
8:00 bus transfer to WULS campus, Warsaw
12:00 lunch
13:00 Summary of the BIP, presentation of certificates of participation
14:00 Closing of the course

Course Language

English

Course Format / Teaching Methods

Interactive lectures (online & on-site)
Fieldwork training
Case study analysis
Group projects & discussions
Student presentations

Credits

ECTS Credits and Workload Overview

Type of Assessment and Assessment Criteria

Participation and engagement – 20% Group project (international teams) – 40% Final presentation/poster – 40%. 

Cultural Activities / Social Program

Visiting sites of natural importance as well as cultural and historical sites.

Tuition Fees

Will be specified and added here later.

Additional Costs

Will be specified and added here later. 

Accommodation

Students dormitories.

Financing - Specific for the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP)

The summer school is structured as a comprehensive Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP; blended meaning consisting of an online and on-site part). Prospective participants from ELLS universities outside of Poland, are encouraged to obtain prior to applying 1. an approved Erasmus learning agreement and 2. an approved Erasmus grant agreement for the Blended Intensive Programme for the summer school. Admission priority will be given to participants who have obtained such agreements. You can inquire with your Erasmus coordinator or the ELLS International Relations Officer(s) of your university about the possibility of obtaining such a grant. Also ‘zero grants’, without available money count for approval priority. You can find the list of contact persons for each ELLS university here:
euroleague-study.org/en/r-20337-alliance/r-20346-support-teams/r-20469-international-relations-officers-iro/international-relations-officers-iro.html#Contact Info.

Prospective participants of non-ELLS universities are directed towards their staff dealing with Erasmus programmes or student exchange.

Health Insurance

Participants are responsible for an adequate health insurance during their participation in the program. Participants should possess an EU health insurance card.

Visa

Participants are responsible for checking whether a visa is required.

Application Deadline

30 April 2026

Link to online Application form

Contact persons for scientific questions

Krzysztof Klimaszewski krzysztof_klimaszewski@sggw.edu.pl  

Contact person for administrative questions

Joanna Zach joanna_zach@sggw.edu.pl