Partners

The University of Bologna (UNIBO) is one of Europe’s leading and most internationalised universities, with nearly 94,000 students and over 6,000 staff members. It hosts more than 7,500 international students and welcomes around 3,000 exchange students each year through programmes such as Erasmus+. The university also sends over 3,000 students abroad annually. UNIBO offers a wide academic portfolio, including 252 Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes, many of which are international or fully taught in English, as well as 48 doctoral programmes. The university actively participates in European and international initiatives related to higher education, research, and development cooperation, with strong involvement in Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) projects. As a founding member of the Una Europa alliance, UNIBO collaborates with other prestigious European universities to create a shared multilingual and multidisciplinary academic environment. The university is also part of several major international networks and is highly active in European research and academic cooperation projects.

Coburg University has its origins in the year 1814 and has grown significantly over the last years. Coburg University is a public university financed by Bavarian State Ministry of Education, Science and the Arts. Currently, there are about 4,700 students enrolled. Applicants can choose between 25 Bachelor and 20 Master programs in the fields of economy, natural and computer sciences, health and design. The medium-sized university is characterized by practice-oriented teaching and research as well as a strong practical focus. Its educational philosophy aims to enable students to use their theoretical knowledge and methodological know-how to solve concrete problems in professional life. Here, they offer you a first-class education with personal service. Their size allows for a great student-professor ratio and enables you to encounter an open ear anywhere on campus.

The University of Seychelles (UNISEY) welcomed its first group of students in September 2009 followed by its official inauguration in November 2010. It was registered and licensed by the Government of Seychelles as a national university which will offer high-quality, innovative, and market-oriented professional, undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes. During its 14 years of existence, UNISEY has gone through some structural changes and an increase in the academic programmes it has to offer. However, what the university has clearly maintained, is its drive to grow and make itself known worldwide; and to play a key role in the transformation of Seychelles as a knowledge-based society. UniSey is a young academic and research institution which offers its students high quality programmes, a vibrant university life, and an opportunity for its international students to gain a first-hand experience of life on a tropic island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The Department of Environment is actively involved in research through the Blue Economy Research Institute (BERI) at the University of Seychelles. The department has expertise in land suitability analysis for agroforestry, climate-smart agricultural practices, biodiversity assessment and conservation, agroecology and conventional agriculture and forest landscape rehabilitation

The Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA) plays a crucial role in the conservation and management of both marine and terrestrial National Parks and Gardens in Seychelles. The establishment of these protected areas dates back to 1979, highlighting the long-standing commitment of Seychelles to preserving its rich biodiversity. The marine protected areas, such as Ste. Anne, Silhouette, Port Launay, Baie Ternay, Ile Cocos, and Curieuse Island, contribute to the conservation of marine life and ensure sustainable practices in the Indian Ocean. Ste. Anne, being one of the first marine protected areas in the region, highlights the Seychelles' early dedication to marine conservation. On the terrestrial front, the Morne Seychellois National Park, Praslin National Park, and the Veuve Special Reserve on La Digue Island play a crucial role in preserving the unique flora and fauna found on land. Additionally, the inclusion of Gardens like the Botanical Garden, the State House Garden, and the Biodiversity Centre further emphasizes Seychelles' commitment to showcasing and preserving its rich plant life and biodiversity. Overall, the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority appears to be playing a vital role in the conservation, education, and enjoyment of the Seychelles' National Parks, attracting thousands of visitors annually.

Seychelles School of Agriculture and Horticulture (SIAH) was established in 1978. SIAH is a professional centre belonging to the tertiary level of the local educational system. SIAH is offering differing diplomas and advanced certificates, of which a Diploma in Agriculture at level 5 according to the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED). The duration of the diploma is 36 months. The Institute is mandated to provide knowledge, skills and positive attitudes to in-service and pre-service learners who have completed S5 and are willing to take up a career in the field of Agriculture, in order to become competent and innovative Agricultural, horticultural and landscaping workers, technicians and supervisors. For In-service learners, SIAH provides opportunities for talented and determined individuals through the promotion of RPL programme and short courses. Furthermore, the Institute also continues to discharge its second mandate, which is to provide training to the farming community, private, governmental, parastatal organisations and the general public through refresher or tailor-made short courses. Duration of programmes on offer are as follows; certificate 18 months, Advanced Certificate 24 months and Diploma 36 months. Staffing total 30, comprise of a Director, 7 lecturers, a farm manager, others are supports staff for different section.

Openature S.r.l. is a new Italian group of immersive zoos created through the merger of Natura Viva (Verona) and Zoom Torino (Turin).
Founded in 1969, Natura Viva evolved from a tourist attraction into a scientifically managed zoo focused on biodiversity conservation and animal welfare.
The 42-hectare park hosts around 250 animal species and promotes environmental awareness through educational programs. Openature is a member of UIZA, EAZA, and WAZA, strengthening its international role in conservation and research. Its main pillars are education, conservation, and scientific research.
The group organizes workshops, seminars, training courses, and practical activities in collaboration with universities and institutions. Together with the University of Padova, it developed advanced courses on wildlife management, conservation education, bioethics, and animal welfare ethics.
Since 2008, it has hosted the annual National Research Conference dedicated to zoo, aquarium, and wildlife conservation studies.
Since 2018, it has collaborated with Sorbonne University on the project “Humans and animals: living and working together.”
With over 30 conservation projects, Openature is a leading zoological institution in Italy for biodiversity protection.

Openature Foundation is the foundation of Openature S.r.l. and it is in charge of of research, conservation and education for OpeNature S.r.l.. The Foundation operates as a nonprofit research organization focused on integrating animal research, conservation education, and conservation science both in Italy and internationally. Its mission is to promote the conservation and regeneration of natural ecosystems, safeguard endangered species, and enhance human-nature connections through research, education, and community engagement. The Foundation’s core objectives include the design and implementation of research projects on biodiversity and threatened species. Operating both locally in Italy, Piedmont and Veneto, and in Europe, but also internationally such as in Africa and Asia, the Foundation’s activities cover a broad geographical scope. The Foundation also promotes biodiversity monitoring and ecosystem health assessments through projects like Biomonitorando, which utilizes plant and animal matrices to evaluate environmental quality and its effects on wildlife. The foundation is also partner of LIFE projects. It supports both in-situ and ex-situ conservation adopting conservation projects but also runs its own project in collaboration with universities and other entities. Educational innovation is a key component, with projects like Hippo Energy bringing immersive, multisensory nature experiences to hospitalized children and people with disabilities via live virtual connections, augmented reality, and therapeutic interaction with zoo environments. The synergy between research and public engagement allows the Foundation to test and scale conservation solutions with measurable impact, through cross-sector collaborations with universities, government bodies, and local communities.