The EU-funded GuardIAS project has announced the launch of its first free Massive Online Open Course (MOOC), focusing on the prevention of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in European waters. This course is the first of five aimed at professionals, students, and anyone interested in protecting our aquatic ecosystems.
A Deep Dive into Prevention
The first course, “IAS Prevention”, offers a comprehensive introduction to the complex world of bioinvasions. Participants will start with the fundamentals, before exploring the pathways of introduction, the devastating impacts these species can have on native biodiversity, and the crucial management strategies needed to stop them in their tracks.
Who Should Enrol?
The course series is designed for a diverse group of professionals and academics on the front lines of environmental protection, including:
- Environmental and protected area managers
- Aquatic monitoring and control agencies
- Environmental consultants and border control officers
- Educators, lecturers, and post-graduate students.
How to Participate
Ready to make a difference? Join a community of Guardians by enrolling in the MOOC to deepen your understanding, develop practical new skills, and earn a certificate
Explore the course program here.
A New Series of Online Courses
This launch marks the first of five planned MOOCs, each created to provide accessible and interactive learning. The complete series will build a comprehensive toolkit for managing aquatic IAS, covering topics from early detection and monitoring to eradication, control, and mitigating impacts on threatened species.
The GuardIAS Project
Guarding European Waters from Invasive Alien Species (GuardIAS) is a HORIZON Europe project with a crucial mission: to safeguard Europe’s marine and freshwater ecosystems. The project develops innovative methods for detecting and preventing the spread of IAS while also aiming to bridge the gap between the scientific community and society through targeted education and public awareness initiatives.
