Deakin University has created this comprehensive experience, which guides you through the complete framework for ecosystem risk assessment.

This course introduces the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems: The Global Standard for Assessing Risks to Ecosystems and its successful use and policy impact through real-world case studies. By enrolling in this online course you will have free access (for 28 days) to a two-week program that will guide you through the theoretical aspects of this tool. As well as giving you the opportunity to put them into practice by performing the tasks assigned in each lesson.

The course will take you through a step-by-step framework on how to assess the risk of ecosystem collapse under the IUCN Red List of Ecosystem standards.Therefore, by the end of the course you will be able to:

• Describe the purpose of the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems.

• Assess the benefits of the Red List of Ecosystems approach to ecosystem conservation and management.

• Explore the process of completing ecosystem assessments.

• Identify the characteristics of ecosystems.

• Explore the challenges of defining ecosystems.

• Identify threats to ecosystems and how to measure them.

• Classify Red List of Ecosystems outcomes and categories of risk.

• Assess the Red List of Ecosystems in the landscape of conservation policies and tools.

This course was created for practitioners who need to understand the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems processes, decision-makers who will value the scientific basis and global authority of Red List of Ecosystems assessments; and finally, for people interested in sustainability and conservation of the world’s ecosystems.

“If you care about threatened ecosystems and biodiversity and you want to take action, join the cause now, and learn with the top scientists who are making a difference.” Prof. Emily Nicholson, Professor at the Deakin University and Co-leader of the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems Thematic Group She will be one of your instructors, her research focuses on ecosystem risk assessment and biodiversity policy.

More than five thousand people have enrolled and here are some of their testimonials:

“Stimulating and thought provoking course. Understanding how ecosystems are assessed, was a very valuable life lesson. The material provided along with signposts for further reading was excellent, and I learned a lot from attempting to assess my own (self selected) patch. Thank you for the assistance by staff throughout.” Mark W.

“Interesting and Required for any conservationist Incredibly interesting course which teaches about the RLE - a relatively new system which I strongly believe will reach all corners of the globe. Learning about this method now and the research behind it has made me feel much better prepared for a career in conservation.” Poppy B.

Join the course here, start straight away and learn at your own pace.

Written by: Susana Barreto

Style & format: Lila García