“Most relevant support.” MCA course preparations start with the kick-off meetings of our Advisory Boards

Advisory Board

"We are very grateful for your important support," said Michael Jungmeier, Scientific Director of the Master's programme Management of Conservation Areas. "The voluntary contribution of so many national and international experts is essential in providing unique learning experiences for our participants,” added Jungmeier at the July kick-off event.

With the decision to start the MCA master programme in autumn 2021, the three Advisory Boards gathered to contribute their accompanying and supportive work for the management of the scientific programmes. In joint discussions, current trends and projected developments in the management of conservation areas were identified and integrated into the teaching of the study programme. The diversity and importance of national and international organisations represented in the three boards (described below) is particularly remarkable and one of the elements that truly makes this degree programme unique.

The function of the MCA Institutional Board is to give access to the most recent developments, decisions and policies of relevant international institutions. Amongst others, members are representatives of IUCN/WCPA, Ramsar Convention, Europarc Federation, Eurosite Federation or the ALPARC Network. In addition, donors and development agencies, such as KfW German Development Bank, theAustrian Development Agency ADA or FAO, the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations…

The Scientific Board verifies the excellence of scientific methods and pedagogical approaches, as well as to give access to most recent concepts and theories, empirical work and research results. The Board consists of scientists and researchers from Europe’s centres of excellence in environmental studies and from some of the most renowned universities.

The Austrian experience pool is an open forum that gives access not only to exemplary Austrian parks, best practices, showcases, and model projects, but also to conflicts and problems that can be discussed and analysed by program participants. Possibilities for seminar productions, master’s theses and internships arise out of the exchange.

Students have an easy opportunity to interact with representatives from our boards. During the first week of the course, participants will meet with all three boards.