Training Course on Biodiversity Impact Assessment for Ecologists

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Biodiversity and its Assessment

ü  Defining Biodiversity: Levels and Values

ü  Ecosystem Services and Their Importance

ü  Threats to Biodiversity and Their Drivers

ü  Overview of Impact Assessment and the Role of BIA

ü  Biodiversity Conservation Principles

ü  Practical Session: Identifying and Categorizing Biodiversity Components in a Sample Project Area

 

Module 2: Legal and Policy Frameworks for Biodiversity

ü  International Conventions (e.g., CBD, Ramsar, CITES)

ü  National Environmental Laws and Biodiversity Legislation

ü  Regional and Local Biodiversity Policies

ü  Lender Safeguards and Performance Standards (e.g., IFC, World Bank)

ü  Permitting Requirements Related to Biodiversity

ü  Practical Session: Analyzing Regulatory Requirements for a Fictional Development Project

 

Module 3: The BIA Process: Scoping and Baseline Studies

ü  Stages of a Biodiversity Impact Assessment

ü  Scoping for Biodiversity: Defining Boundaries and Key Issues

ü  Identifying Data Gaps and Information Needs

ü  Desktop Studies and Literature Reviews

ü  Understanding Reference Conditions and Control Sites

ü  Practical Session: Developing a Scoping Document for a Proposed Infrastructure Project

 

Module 4: Biodiversity Data Collection and Survey Methodologies

ü  Planning and Designing Biodiversity Surveys

ü  Field Techniques for Flora and Fauna Surveys (e.g., transects, quadrats, camera traps)

ü  Habitat Mapping and Classification Systems (e.g., EUNIS, national typologies)

ü  Data Management and Quality Control

ü  Using Existing Databases and Citizen Science Data

ü  Practical Session: Designing a Biodiversity Survey Protocol for a Specific Habitat Type

 

Module 5: Impact Prediction and Significance Assessment

ü  Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Impacts on Biodiversity

ü  Impact Pathways and Causal Chains

ü  Predicting Magnitude, Duration, and Reversibility of Impacts

ü  Defining Significance Criteria for Biodiversity Impacts

ü  Risk Assessment and Uncertainty in BIA

ü  Practical Session: Predicting Impacts and Assessing Significance for a Given Development Scenario

 

Module 6: The Mitigation Hierarchy: Avoidance and Minimization

ü  Understanding the Mitigation Hierarchy (Avoid, Minimize, Restore, Offset)

ü  Avoidance Strategies: Site Selection and Design Changes

ü  Minimization Measures: Best Practice Construction, Operational Controls

ü  Designing Effective Mitigation Plans

ü  Monitoring Mitigation Effectiveness

ü  Practical Session: Developing Avoidance and Minimization Measures for a Project Impact

 

Module 7: Restoration, Rehabilitation, and Biodiversity Offsetting

ü  Principles of Ecological Restoration and Rehabilitation

ü  Designing Restoration Plans for Degraded Habitats

ü  The Concept of Biodiversity Offsets: Principles and Challenges

ü  Calculating Offset Requirements and Equivalence

ü  Monitoring and Adaptive Management of Offsets

ü  Practical Session: Calculating a Simple Biodiversity Offset Requirement

 

Module 8: Cumulative Impacts and Strategic Environmental Assessment

ü  Understanding Cumulative Biodiversity Impacts

ü  Methodologies for Assessing Cumulative Impacts

ü  Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and its Role in Biodiversity

ü  Integrating BIA into Broader Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)

ü  Ecosystem Approach to Planning

ü  Practical Session: Identifying and Assessing Cumulative Impacts for a Regional Development Plan

 

Module 9: BIA Reporting and Stakeholder Engagement

ü  Structure and Content of a BIA Report

ü  Presenting Complex Ecological Information Clearly

ü  Visualizing Biodiversity Data (Maps, Infographics)

ü  Engaging Stakeholders in the BIA Process

ü  Public Participation and Consultation in Biodiversity Assessments

ü  Practical Session: Critiquing a Sample BIA Report for Clarity and Scientific Rigor

 

Module 10: Advanced Tools and Emerging Trends in BIA

ü  Application of GIS and Remote Sensing in BIA

ü  Predictive Modeling for Species Distribution and Habitat Connectivity

ü  Use of Environmental DNA (eDNA) in Surveys

ü  Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and Nature Positive Approaches

ü  Climate Change and Biodiversity Impact Assessment

ü  Practical Session: Utilizing GIS Data to Map Critical Biodiversity Areas (Computer-based simulation)

About the Trainers

Our trainers are highly accomplished ecologists and environmental professionals with extensive experience in conducting and reviewing Biodiversity Impact Assessments globally. They include senior environmental consultants, academic researchers, and former regulatory officials who have worked on a diverse range of development projects. Their practical experience, combined with a deep understanding of ecological principles and regulatory requirements, ensures participants receive cutting-edge insights and actionable knowledge.

 

Quality Statement

Phoenix Training Center is committed to delivering high-quality, practical, and relevant training programs. Our courses are meticulously designed and regularly updated to reflect the latest industry trends and best practices. We strive to provide an engaging and supportive learning environment that empowers participants to achieve their professional goals.

Admission Criteria

ü  Participants should be reasonably proficient in English. 

ü  Applicants must live up to Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free
2. What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.
4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.
5. Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training.

Or call us on +254720272325 / +254737296202

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

1. Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.
2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.
3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.
2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.
3. No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Tailor-Made Courses

We understand that every organization has unique training needs. Phoenix Training Center offers tailor-made courses designed to address specific requirements and challenges faced by your team or organization. Whether you need a customized curriculum, a specific duration, or on-site delivery, we can adapt our expertise to provide a training solution that perfectly aligns with your objectives. Contact us to discuss how we can create a bespoke training program for you. For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202 or Email training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com

 

Accommodation and Airport Pick-up

For physical training attendees, we can assist with recommendations for accommodation near the training venue. Airport pick-up services can also be arranged upon request to ensure a smooth arrival. Please inform us of your travel details in advance if you require these services. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202