Vilm, 05.03.2019 In the week from 3rd to 9th March, German and international master students from different German universities met on the Isle of Vilm to participate in a unique module on international nature conservation. Today, the course is integrated in the study programmes of various German Universities. It allows the students to gain greater knowledge about nature conservation and gives an insight in "real-life"-experts work. Furthermore, the seminar offers the chance of networking among other students and trainers as well as experiencing cultural exchange and getting to know possible fields of employment.

Since 2011, the course has been taken place once a year and offered in the past years as well as in this year a variety of interesting topics. This year, the topics focused on biodiversity trends, international conventions, protected areas, strategic planning for nature conservation, marine conservation and addressing transboundary poaching.

Next to informational input, the module contains various interactive and participative teaching and learning methods. Passive and active teaching methods vary from presentation over discussion and group work to simulation games (e.g. a CBD-COP simulation) to ensure and interactive and interesting week.

BfN puts a lot of effort in continuously evolving the module to offer students such a "motivating, instructive and inspiring time" (quote from the closing evaluation) again in the next year and to help young academics to shape their future field of work within nature conservation.