​Aims

Understand the concept of ecosystem services, its terminology , the division into categories, and its ecological, anthropological and economic aspects

-Learn how to build a management scheme based on the Ecosystems Services concept

-Assess Ecosystem Services values under different circumstances and scenarios of parkAssess Ecosystem Services values under different circumstances and scenarios of park

management

-Learn the concept of a biosphere reserve and its managementLearn the concept of a biosphere reserve and its management

-Learn about off-grid technologies as supporting tools in the operation and management ofLearn about off-grid technologies as supporting tools in the operation and management of

biosphere reserves

-Learn about the concept of ecosystem integrityLearn about the concept of ecosystem integrity

-Learn the DPSIR model and how to use it for management of nature reserves, parks and otherLearn the DPSIR model and how to use it for management of nature reserves, parks and other public areas.

-Understand the structure and function of arid land ecosystems and use desert ecosystemUnderstand the structure and function of arid land ecosystems and use desert ecosystem

integrity as a case study

-Understand the pressures and conflicts on arid lands

-Learn to teach rangers, government officers, and the public about Ecosystem ServicesLearn to teach rangers, government officers, and the public about Ecosystem Services

-Prepare a park management plan based on the Ecosystem Services Principle

Review of the principles and concepts of Ecosystems

-Using an Ecosystem Services approach to understand the importance of nature to human society

-The study of human-nature interactions including the conflicts of nature conservation andThe study of human-nature interactions including the conflicts of nature conservation and management

-Looking at the Israeli model of nature reserves and biosphere reserves in solving human-nature tensions

-Gaining the necessary tools for the management of ecosystems, including financial aspects

-Using a life cycle approach to resolve human-nature tensionsUsing a life cycle approach to resolve human-nature tensions

The target audience for this training program is individuals who are interested in expanding their knowledge and initiatives into ecosystem management, environmental economics, and environmental management.

This training program is intended for mid-level professionals involved in nature preservation, working for government, non-governmental organizations, decision-making bodies, academia and the private sector.

It will be especially beneficial to heads of rural councils and environmental officers of rural councils, government officers of environment and tourism ministries, biosphere reserve managers, park managers and rangers.

The program will be conducted in English. It is essential that the participants have a high level of reading, writing and speaking in English.

Competition for the MASHAV Courses is merit-based and selection will be made on the basis of academic excellence, professional aptitude, leadership potential in the field of Environmental Management and Ecosystem Services, and knowledge of English.

Funding for the MASHAV Courses is limited and the program is highly competitive; not all qualified applicant will receive awards.

Applications should be submitted no later than April 18th, 2018. A copy of the application should be sent to the Israeli Embassy nearest to you as well as to Ms. Tali Adini of the Arava Institute: tali@arava.org

Application forms and other information may be obtained at the nearest Israeli mission or at MASHAV’s website: http://mashav.mfa.gov.il/MFA/mashav/Courses/Pages/default.aspx.

Completed application forms, including the medical form, should be sent to the relevant Israeli mission in the respective country.

MASHAV awards a limited number of scholarships. The scholarship covers the cost of the training program including lectures and field visits, full board accommodation in double rooms (two participants per room), health insurance (see below) and transfers to and from the airport. Airfares and daily allowance are not included in the scholarship.

The majority of the course will be held at the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, situated at Kibbutz Ketura in the Arava Desert, a four hour drive from the center of Israel. Kibbutz Ketura is a collective community located approximately 50 kilometers from the Red Sea resort city of Eilat in the south of Israel. In June, the weather will be very hot and dry; temperatures will range from 35°- 40°C during the day and down to 25°C at night. For more information on Kibbutz Ketura, you can access the website at: https://www.ketura.org.il/welcome/

Medical insurance covers medical services and hospitalization in case of emergency. It does not cover the treatment of chronic or serious diseases, specific medications taken by the participant on a regular basis, dental care and eyeglasses. Health authorities recommend that visitors to Israel make sure they have been inoculated against tetanus in the last ten years. Subject to the full binding policy conditions. Participants are responsible

for all other expenses.