Explore the Online Certified Course: Application of GIS in Conservation Mapping

Ednah Carrick July 10, 2025

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Closing Date: Not Specified

Explore the Online Certified Course: Application of GIS in Conservation Mapping

Course Overview

Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework aims to conserve 30% of terrestrial and inland water areas, and marine and coastal areas by 2030 through protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs).

This comprehensive course provides practical skills in applying GIS tools to create effective conservation maps and conduct spatial analyses that contribute directly to achieving this critical global target. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is fundamental to successful mapping, monitoring, and management of conservation efforts. By mastering GIS technologies, participants will learn to collect, analyse, and visualize spatial data related to biodiversity, land use, and environmental conditions—empowering informed conservation decisions that protect valuable ecosystems and track progress towards global conservation goals.

Who Should Attend

Conservation Professionals

Conservationists, ecologists, and biodiversity experts involved in planning, implementing, and monitoring protected areas and conservation programs.

GIS Professionals

GIS professionals seeking to apply their technical skills in environmental conservation and biodiversity protection.

Governments

Government institutions working towards achieving biodiversity targets and sustainable development goals.

Researchers & Students

Researchers and students studying conservation biology, environmental science, or GIS applications in ecology.

Policymakers

Policymakers and practitioners involved in the management of protected areas and biodiversity conservation initiatives.

NGOs and International Organizations

NGOs and international organizations working towards achieving biodiversity targets and sustainable development goals.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this online certified course, participants will:

Understand the Global Biodiversity Framework and the significance of Target 3 in global conservation efforts.
Utilize GIS tools for mapping, analyzing, and monitoring protected areas and biodiversity hotspots.
Apply GIS to assess land-use changes, threats to biodiversity, and the effectiveness of conservation measures.
Use remote sensing data for ecosystem monitoring and identifying priority areas for conservation.
Develop and present GIS-based maps and reports that contribute to achieving Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Update protected and conserved areas databases with confidence and accuracy.
Create and Draw high level maps similar to the mapbook maps Map Book

A certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of the Application of GIS in Conservation Mapping course.

Course Structure

Module 1: Conservation Challenges & Global Biodiversity Framework

Session 1: Foundations Introduction to ecosystems, biodiversity mapping, and conservation challenges
Session 2: Target 3 Deep Dive Understanding protected areas, OECMs, and key biodiversity indicators
Session 3: GIS & Remote Sensing Introduction to geospatial technologies PRACTICAL
Session 4: Data Sources World Database on Protected Areas and conservation databases
Session 5: GIS Applications Conservation mapping techniques DEMO

Module 2: Mapping & Monitoring Habitat Loss

Session 1: Biodiversity Hotspots Pressing issues in habitat loss and degradation
Session 2: The Changing Landscapes Comparing historical and current maps to identify trends
Session 3: Satellite Data Accessing and processing satellite datasets HANDS-ON
Session 4: Change Analysis Land cover change analysis and hotspot mapping HANDS-ON
Session 5: Prioritization Identifying areas for immediate conservation intervention

Module 3: Protected Areas Database Management

Session 1: Data Review Reviewing protected area data and identifying needed updates
Session 2: Data Schema Preparing WDPA/OECM data schema and updating sites
Session 3: Data Processing Joining attributes, exporting datasets, and quality checking
Session 4: Documentation Documenting changes implemented in the WDPA
Session 5: Data Presentation Creating dashboards and story maps for data visualization

Module 4: GIS for Wildlife Protection & Conservation

Session 1: Conservation Foundations Global conservation efforts and biodiversity importance
Session 2: GIS in Conservation Tracking illegal activities and wildlife trafficking
Session 3: Wildlife Data Collection and management Using ArcGIS, GPS, and mobile apps for data collection
Session 4: Wildlife Hazard Monitoring Risk analysis and hazard mapping EXERCISE
Session 5: Community Engagement Participatory GIS and community-based conservation