As part of its strategy to promote networking among UNESCO Category II Centres, the UNESCOMED Centre has welcomed a delegation from The Regional Post-Graduate Training School on Integrated Management of Tropical Forests and Lands (ERAIFT) in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, at the center of Africa, with links to the LUKI Biosphere Reserve.

The delegation from ERAIFT, the Regional Postgraduate School for Integrated Management and Planning of Tropical Forests and Lands, operating under the auspices of UNESCO (Category 2 Centre), during his visit on the 28th of November met with UNESCOMED representatives and visited the Castellet Castle facilities, the headquarters of Abertis Foundation.

The ERAIFT, the Regional Postgraduate School for Integrated Management and Planning of Tropical Forests and Lands is an academic institution founded in 1999 with the life motive “Building the future begins now with supportive programs and transformative experiences”. ERAIFT delegation explained UNESCOMED representatives that it operates by providing support under the form of scholarships to scholars that are selected based on their potential to become effective leaders of conservation in their home country, their abilities, and the relevance of their proposed study and future work, with the aim to “advance the development of a critical mass of exceptional, highly trained, well-equipped, best prepared experts, scientists, and practitioners who will help the world, not only reach the goal of protecting 30% of the planet by 2030, but also contribute more effectively to conservation efforts in their country”.

ERAIFT offers 3 Master’s degrees:  Protected area management/ Biosphere Reserve management; Forest Management Technique; Research in Integrated Planning and Management of Tropical Forests and Lands, and the scholarships cover the expenses for lodging, meals, living expenses and field trips as well as tuition, books and materials.